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METHODE ELECTRONICS INC - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013
Commission File Number 0-2816
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
36-2090085
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
7401 West Wilson Avenue
 
Chicago, Illinois
60706-4548
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number (including area code):  (708) 867-6777 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
 
 
Name of each exchange
Title of each Class
 
on which registered
Common Stock, $0.50 Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class) 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o  No x
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes   o    No   x
The aggregate market value of common stock, $0.50 par value, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on October 27, 2012, based upon the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was $354.7 million.
Registrant had 37,117,890 shares of common stock, $0.50 par value, outstanding as of June 18, 2013.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held September 12, 2013 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
FORM 10-K
April 27, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
  9
 
 
 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

PART I
 
Item 1.  Business
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966.  As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” mean Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless and sensing technologies.  Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), rail and other transportation industries.
 
We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30.
 
Segments.  Our business is managed and our financial results are reported on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other.
 
The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include control switches for electrical power and signals, connectors for electrical devices, integrated control components, switches and sensors that monitor the operation or status of a component or system, and packaging of electrical components.
 
The Interconnect segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interconnect and interface solutions for the aerospace, appliance, commercial, computer, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, networking, storage, and telecommunications markets.  Solutions include conductive polymers, connectors, custom cable assemblies, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers, personal computer and express card packaging and terminators, solid-state field effect interface panels, and thick film inks.  Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems, and manufacturing active and passive optical components.
 
The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated bus devices, custom power-product assemblies, high-current low voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder coated bus bars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial and power conversion, inverters and battery systems, insulated gate bipolar transistor solutions, military, telecommunications, and transportation.
 
The Other segment includes a designer and manufacturer of magnetic torque sensing products, and independent laboratories that provide services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components.
 
Financial results by segment are summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.

Sales.  The following table reflects the percentage of net sales of the segments of the Company for the last three fiscal years.
 
 
Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
Automotive
59.7
%
 
58.0
%
 
52.8
%
Interconnect
27.0
%
 
27.7
%
 
32.4
%
Power Products
10.1
%
 
11.3
%
 
11.8
%
Other
3.2
%
 
3.0
%
 
3.0
%
 
Our sales activities are directed by sales managers who are supported by field application engineers and other engineering personnel who work with customers to design our products into their systems.  Our field application engineers also help us identify emerging markets and new products.  Our products are sold through in-house sales staff and through independent manufacturers’ representatives with offices throughout the world.  Information about our sales and operations in

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different geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.  Sales are made primarily to OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers as well as selling partners and distributors.
 
Sources and Availability of Materials.  The principal materials that we purchase include application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, glass, light-emitting diode ("LED") displays, plastic molding materials, precious metals, and silicon die castings.  All of these items are available from several suppliers and we generally rely on more than one supplier for each item.  We normally do not carry inventories of raw materials or finished products in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. We did not experience any significant price increases in fiscal 2013. We experienced price increases on some resins as well as silver in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011, we experienced some shortages for specific electrical components.  Additionally in fiscal 2011, we experienced significant price increases for copper, precious metals and petroleum-based raw materials.
 
Patents; Licensing Agreements.  We have numerous United States and foreign patents and license agreements covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes, several of which are considered significant to our business.   Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.
 
Seasonality.  A significant portion of our business is dependent on automotive sales and the vehicle production schedules of our customers.  The automotive market is cyclical and depends on general economic conditions, interest rates, fuel prices and consumer spending patterns.
 
Material Customers.  During the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013, shipments to Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) and General Motors Corporation (“GM”), or their tiered suppliers, represented 19.9% and 16.7%, respectively, of consolidated net sales.  Such shipments included a wide variety of our automotive component products.

Backlog. Our backlog of orders was approximately $154.6 million at April 27, 2013, and $87.9 million at April 28, 2012.  We expect that most of the backlog at April 27, 2013 will be shipped within fiscal 2014.
 
Competitive Conditions.  The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments.  We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas; many of these competitors have greater resources and sales.  Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products.
 
Research and Development.  We maintain a research and development program involving a number of professional employees who devote a majority of their time to the enhancement of existing products and to the development of new products and processes.  Senior management of our Company participates directly in the program.  Expenditures for such activities amounted to $23.7 million, $20.4 million and $19.5 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Environmental Matters.  Compliance with foreign, federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position.  Currently, we do not have any environmental related lawsuits or material administrative proceedings pending against us.  Further information as to environmental matters affecting us is presented in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Employees.  At April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, we had 3,960 and 3,143 employees, respectively.  We also from time to time employ part-time employees and hire independent contractors.  As of April 27, 2013, our employees from our Malta and Mexico facilities, which account for approximately 68% of our total number of employees, are represented by collective bargaining agreements.  We have never experienced a work stoppage and we believe that our employee relations are good.
 
Segment Information and Foreign Sales.  Information about our operations by segment and in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Available Information.  We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such reports may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site(www.sec.gov) that contains periodic reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding Methode.
 

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Financial and other information can also be accessed on the investor relations section of our website at www.methode.com. We make available, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.   Also posted on our website are the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Technology Committee. Copies of these documents are also available free of charge by sending a request to Methode Electronics, Inc., 7401 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60706, Attention: Investor Relations Department.  Information on our website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K or our other securities filings and is not a part of them.
 
Certifications.  As required by the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), we delivered to the NYSE a certification signed by our Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, certifying that Mr. Duda was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards as of September 26, 2012.
 
As required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 certifications regarding the quality of our public disclosures are filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.  Our business is highly dependent upon two large automotive customers and specific makes and models of automobiles.  Our results will be subject to many of the same risks that apply to the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, such as general economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, consumer spending patterns and technological changes.   Other factors which may result in materially different results for future periods include the following risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that our management currently believe to be insignificant may also adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.  These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report because these factors could cause our actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws and are made as of the date of this report.
 
Our business is highly dependent on two large automotive customers.  If we were to lose either of these customers or experienced a significant decline in the volume or price of products purchased by these customers, or if either of the customers declare bankruptcy, our future results could be adversely affected.
 
During the year ended April 27, 2013, shipments to Ford and GM, or their tiered suppliers, represented 19.9% and 16.7%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.  The contracts we have entered into with these customers provide for supplying the customers’ requirements for particular models, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. Therefore, the loss of a Ford or GM contract for a model or a significant decrease in demand for one or more of these models could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are subject to the risk that Ford or GM will not select us to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, we are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.
 
Our components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other transportation industries, appliances and the consumer and industrial equipment markets.  Factors negatively affecting these industries also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Any adverse occurrence, including additional industry slowdown, recession, rising interest rates, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, armed hostilities, terrorism, excessive inflation, prolonged disruptions in one or more of our customers’ production schedules or labor disturbances, that results in significant decline in the volume of sales in these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 

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We face risks relating to our international operations, particularly in Europe.
 
Recently, there has been global concern over the overall macroeconomic environment in Europe, the currency exchange rate fluctuations between the euro and the U.S. dollar, the banking system in the European Economic Community, the ability of European consumers to access credit to finance automobile purchases and the ability of the European Central Bank to provide enough liquidity and backing to countries experiencing sovereign debt issues, such as Greece, Italy and Spain. Any or all of these factors could negatively impact our European operations.

In addition, because approximately 50% of our sales come from our international operations, our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by economic, political, health, regulatory and other factors existing in foreign countries in which we operate. Our international operations are subject to inherent risks, which may adversely affect us, including: fluctuations in exchange rates; political and economic instability; expropriation, or the imposition of government controls; changes in government regulations; export license requirements; trade restrictions; earnings expatriation restrictions; exposure to different legal standards; less favorable intellectual property laws; health conditions and standards; currency controls; increases in duties and taxes; high levels of inflation or deflation; greater difficulty in collecting our accounts receivable and longer payment cycles; changes in labor conditions and difficulties in staffing and managing our international operations; limitations on insurance coverage against geopolitical risks, natural disasters and business operations; and  communication among and management of international operations. In addition, these same factors may also place us at a competitive disadvantage to some of our foreign competitors.
  
Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and cost of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance
In connection with the award of new business, we obligate ourselves to deliver new products and services that are subject to our customers' timing, performance and quality. Additionally, we must effectively coordinate the activities of numerous suppliers in order for the program launches of our products to be successful. Given the complexity of new program launches, we may experience difficulties managing product quality, timeliness and associated costs. In addition, new program launches require a significant ramp up of costs; however, our sales related to these new programs generally are dependent upon the timing and success of our customers' introduction of new vehicles. Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of these new program launches could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Products we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services and liability claims against us.
 
Despite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to a variety of factors, including design or manufacturing errors or component failure. Product defects may result in delayed shipments and reduced demand for our products. We may be subject to increased costs due to warranty claims on defective products. Product defects may result in product liability claims against us where defects cause, or are alleged to cause, property damage, bodily injury or death. We may be required to participate in a recall involving products that are, or are alleged to be, defective. We carry insurance for certain legal matters involving product liability, however, we do not have coverage for all costs related to product defects or recalls and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our available coverage.

Our technology-based business and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  If we are unable to compete effectively, our sales could decline.
 
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments.  We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas; many of these competitors have greater resources and sales.  Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products.  Competition may intensify further if more companies enter the markets in which we operate. Our failure to compete effectively could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
  
We are dependent on the availability and price of materials.
 
We require substantial amounts of materials, including petroleum-based products, glass, copper and precious metals, application-specific integrated circuits and light-emitting diode ("LED") displays, and all materials we require are purchased from third party sources. The availability and prices of materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other

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things, new laws or regulations, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. Any change in the availability of, or price for, these materials could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  We did not experience any significant price increases for copper, precious metals and petroleum-based raw materials in fiscal 2013. We experienced price increases on some resins as well as silver in fiscal 2012. We experienced significant price increases in fiscal 2011 for copper, precious metals and petroleum-based raw materials and shortages for certain electrical components.
 
Disruption of our supply chain could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability, including manufacturing or distribution capabilities, and that of our suppliers, business partners and contract manufacturers, to make, move and sell products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to our or their manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, including any potential effects of climate change, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemics, strikes, repairs or enhancements at our facilities, or other reasons, could impair our ability to manufacture or sell our products. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to restore our supply chain.

Downturns in the automotive industry or the bankruptcy of certain automotive customers could reduce the sales and profitability of our business.
 
Currently, approximately 60% of our business is dependent on automotive sales and the vehicle production schedules of our customers.  The automotive market is cyclical and depends on general economic conditions, interest rates and consumer spending patterns.  Any significant reduction in vehicle production by our customers would have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, we have significant receivable balances related to these customers that would be at risk in the event of their bankruptcy.  Prior to fiscal 2012, due to the financial stresses within the global economy, which directly affected the worldwide automotive industry, certain automakers and suppliers declared bankruptcy. In the event of the bankruptcy of any of our customers with significant receivable balances, our financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

We may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes, which could adversely affect our business.
 
The technologies relating to some of our products have undergone, and are continuing to undergo, rapid and significant changes. Specifically, end markets for electronic components and assemblies are characterized by technological change, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, changes in customer requirements and emerging industry standards.  These changes could render our existing products unmarketable before we can recover any or all of our research, development and other expenses. Furthermore, the life cycles of our products vary, may change and are difficult to estimate. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and market new products or product enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
 
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person’s intellectual property, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
 
We have numerous United States and foreign patents and license agreements covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes, several of which are considered significant to our business.  Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.  The loss of any significant patents and trade secrets could adversely affect our sales, margins or profitability.
 
We have and may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property or because others may allege that we infringe on their intellectual property. These claims and any resulting lawsuit could subject us to liability for damages and invalidate our intellectual property rights. If an infringement claim is successfully asserted by a holder of intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease marketing or selling certain products, pay a penalty for past infringement and spend significant time and money to develop a non-infringing product or process or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the holder. We may not be successful in the development of a non-infringing alternative, or licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, in which case we may lose sales and

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profits. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could materially adversely affect us even if we are successful in the litigation.
 
We are subject to continuing pressure to lower our prices.
 
Over the past several years we have experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, pressure to lower our prices. In order to maintain our profitability, we must strive to increase volumes and reduce our costs. Continuing pressures to reduce our prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

We currently have a significant amount of our cash located outside the U.S.

We believe our current world-wide cash balances together with expected future cash flows to be generated from operations will be sufficient to support current operations. Due to the shifting of operations from the U.S. to foreign locations, a significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. No provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed net income of foreign operations, as we currently expect them to be indefinitely reinvested in our foreign operations. However, if we change our position and the cash is repatriated back to the U.S., it may have an adverse affect on our U.S. federal and state taxes, by lowering our net operating loss positions or potentially creating a tax liability.
We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

As of April 27, 2013, the net carrying value of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets totaled approximately $14.7 million. During fiscal 2013, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million for our Eetrex reporting unit in the Power Products segment. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we periodically assess these assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, divestitures and market capitalization declines may impair our goodwill and other intangible assets. Any charges relating to such impairments would adversely affect our results of operations in the periods recognized.

A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating results.
 
Although our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, a significant portion of our sales and operating costs are realized in other currencies, mainly in Europe and China.  Our profitability is affected by movements of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in which we generate revenue and incur expenses, particularly the euro and Chinese yuan.  Significant fluctuations in relative currency values, in particular an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial condition.

We may acquire businesses or divest business operations. These transactions may pose significant risks and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
We intend to explore opportunities to acquire other businesses or technologies that could complement, enhance or expand our current business or product lines or that might otherwise offer growth opportunities. Any transactions that we are able to identify and complete may involve a number of risks, including: the diversion of our management’s attention from our existing business to integrate the operations and personnel of the acquired or combined business or joint venture; possible adverse effects on our operating results during the integration process; and our possible inability to achieve the intended objectives of the transaction. In addition, we may not be able to successfully or profitably integrate, operate, maintain and manage our newly acquired operations or employees. We may not be able to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, and this may lead to operational inefficiencies. In addition, future acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, a reduction of cash or the incurrence of debt.
 
We have in the past, and may in the future, consider divesting certain business operations. Divestitures may involve a number of risks, including the diversion of management’s attention, significant costs and expenses, the loss of customer relationships and cash flow, and the disruption of operations in the affected business. Failure to timely complete or to consummate a divestiture may negatively affect the valuation of the affected business or result in restructuring charges.

We could suffer significant business interruptions.
 
Our operations may be vulnerable to interruption by natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, or floods, or other disasters such as fires, explosions, acts of terrorism or war, disease or failures of our management information or other systems. If a business interruption occurs, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

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Unfavorable tax law changes may adversely affect our financial results.
 
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in various foreign jurisdictions.  Domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions.  Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings among countries with differing statutory tax rates or changes in the tax laws. We enjoy tax benefits and incentives in certain countries which are favorable to the company. If these tax benefits and incentives were reduced or eliminated, it could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
 
Our information technology (“IT”) systems could be breached.

We face certain security threats relating to the confidentiality and integrity of our IT systems. Despite implementation of security measures, our IT systems may be vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, cyber attacks and other unauthorized access and these security breaches could result in a disruption to our operations. A material network breach of our IT systems could involve the theft of our and our customers' intellectual property or trade secrets which may be used by competitors to develop competing products. To the extent that any security breach results in a loss or damage to data, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our customer relations, lead to claims against us, increase our costs to protect against future damage and could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial position.

The SEC's annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and adjoining countries may be difficult and costly to implement.

In August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the DRC and adjoining countries in their products. These new requirements will require due diligence efforts in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There will be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None


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Item 2.  Properties
 
We operate the following manufacturing and other facilities, all of which we believe to be in good condition and adequate to meet our current and reasonably anticipated needs:
 
Location
 
Use
 
Owned/
Leased
 
Approximate
Square Footage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chicago, Illinois
 
Corporate Headquarters
 
Owned
 
15,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Automotive Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monterrey, Mexico
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
247,000

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
226,000

Carthage, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
143,000

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
75,500

McAllen, Texas
 
Warehousing
 
Leased
 
38,000

Cario, Egypt
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
30,000

Zhenjiang, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
19,200

Southfield, Michigan
 
Sales and Engineering Design Center
 
Owned
 
17,000

Bangalore, India
 
Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
11,900

Burnley, England
 
Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
5,900

Sin El Fil, Lebanon
 
Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
5,100

Gau-Algesheim, Germany
 
Sales and Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
4,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interconnect Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
49,000

Chicago, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
34,800

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
32,500

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
Manufacturing/Design Center
 
Leased
 
26,100

Richardson, Texas
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
25,700

Laguna, Philippines
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
22,800

Wheaton, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
22,500

Milan, Italy
 
Sales and Design
 
Leased
 
7,200

Harkingen, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
4,200

Singapore
 
Sales and Administrative
 
Leased
 
1,300

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Power Products Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rolling Meadows, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
52,000

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
40,700

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
35,000

San Jose, California
 
Prototype and Design Center
 
Leased
 
13,000

Boulder, Colorado
 
Prototype and Design Center
 
Leased
 
9,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Palatine, Illinois
 
Test Laboratory
 
Owned
 
27,000

Hunt Valley, Maryland
 
Test Laboratory
 
Owned
 
16,000

Chicago, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
10,000



8

Table of Contents

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
 
Other than as described below, as of April 27, 2013, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings or any legal proceedings or material administrative proceedings with governmental authorities pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise.
 
Delphi Settlement

In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million, half of which was paid in October 2012 and half of which was paid in January 2013. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, in the income from settlement section of our consolidated statement of operations.
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Name
 
Age
 
Offices and Positions Held and Length of Service as Officer
Donald W. Duda
 
57

 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2004. President and Director of the Company since 2001. Prior thereto Mr. Duda was Vice President-Interconnect Group since 2000. Prior thereto, Mr. Duda was with Amphenol Corporation through 1998 as General Manager of its Fiber Optic Products Division since 1988.
 
 
 
 
 
Douglas A. Koman
 
63

 
Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2004. Vice President, Corporate Finance, of the Company since 2001. Prior thereto Mr. Koman was Assistant Vice President-Financial Analysis since 2000. Prior thereto, Mr. Koman was with Illinois Central Corporation through 2000 as Controller since 1997 and Treasurer since 1991.
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas D. Reynolds
 
50

 
Chief Operating Officer of the Company since June 2010. Senior Vice President, Worldwide Automotive Operations, of the Company since 2006. Vice President and General Manager, North American Automotive Operations, of the Company since October 2001. Prior thereto, Mr. Reynolds was with Donnelly Corporation through October 2001 as Senior Manager of Operations since 1999, and as Director of Transnational Business Unit from 1995 to 1999.
 
 
 
 
 
Timothy R. Glandon
 
49

 
Vice President and General Manager, North American Automotive, of the Company since 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Glandon was General Manager of Automotive Safety Technologies since 2001. Prior thereto, Mr. Glandon was Vice President and General Manager with American Components, Inc. from 1996 to 2001.
 
 
 
 
 
Joseph. E. Khoury
 
49

 
Vice President and General Manager, European Automotive, of the Company since 2004. Prior thereto, Mr. Khoury was General Manager of Methode Electronics International, GMBH since 2000.
 
 
 
 
 
Theodore P. Kill
 
62

 
Vice President, Worldwide Automotive Sales, of the Company since 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Kill was a principal with Kill and Associates from 2003 to 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Kill was a principal with Kill and Bolton Associates from 1995 to 2003.
 
 
 
 
 
Ronald L.G. Tsoumas
 
52

 
Controller and Treasurer of the Company since 2007. Prior thereto, Mr. Tsoumas was Assistant Controller of the Company since 1998.

All executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve a term of one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

9

Table of Contents

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following is a tabulation of high and low sales prices for the periods presented and cash dividends declared per share. 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends
Paid
Per Share
 
Sales Price Per Share
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Fiscal Year ended April 27, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

First Quarter
$
9.53

 
$
6.94

 
$
0.07

Second Quarter
10.71

 
8.64

 
0.07

Third Quarter
10.57

 
8.38

 
0.07

Fourth Quarter
14.95

 
9.56

 
0.07

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year ended April 28, 2012
 

 
 

 
 

First Quarter
$
12.57

 
$
9.84

 
$
0.07

Second Quarter
10.72

 
7.03

 
0.07

Third Quarter
10.69

 
7.68

 
0.07

Fourth Quarter
10.79

 
8.17

 
0.07

 
On June 13, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock, payable on July 26, 2013, to holders of record on July 12, 2013. As of June 18, 2013, the number of record holders of our common stock was 540.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information about shares of our common stock that may be issued upon exercise of stock options or granting of stock awards under all of the existing equity compensation plans as of April 27, 2013
Plan category
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in the first
column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
1,210,585

 
$
7.34

 
773,821

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 

 

 

Total
 
1,210,585

 
$
7.34

 
773,821

 


10


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.  The consolidated statement of operations data for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  The consolidated statement of operations data for fiscal 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of April 30, 2011, May 3, 2010 and May 2, 2009, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report.
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27, 2013 (1)
 
April 28, 2012 (2)
 
April 30, 2011 (3)
 
May 1, 2010 (4)
 
May 2,
2009 (5)
 
(In Millions, Except Percentages and Per Share Amounts)
Income Statement Data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
$
519.8

 
$
465.1

 
$
428.2

 
$
377.6

 
$
428.8

Income/(loss) before income taxes
38.0

 
11.4

 
14.5

 
7.8

 
(110.5
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
(2.5
)
 
3.2

 
(4.1
)
 
(6.0
)
 
1.7

Income/(loss) from continuing operations
40.7

 
8.4

 
18.5

 
13.8

 
(112.1
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
0.6

 

 

Net income/(loss) applicable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
40.7

 
8.4

 
19.5

 
13.7

 
(112.5
)
Per Common Share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic net income/(loss) from continuing operations
1.09

 
0.22

 
0.51

 
0.37

 
(3.05
)
Basic net income from discontinued operations

 

 
0.02

 

 

Basic net income/(loss) applicable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
1.09

 
0.22

 
0.53

 
0.37

 
(3.05
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income/(loss) from continuing operations
1.07

 
0.22

 
0.50

 
0.37

 
(3.05
)
Diluted net income from discontinued operations

 

 
0.02

 

 

Diluted net income/(loss) applicable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
1.07

 
0.22

 
0.52

 
0.37

 
(3.05
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends
0.28

 
0.28

 
0.28

 
0.28

 
0.26

Book Value
7.71

 
6.84

 
6.95

 
6.43

 
6.28

Long-term Debt
43.5

 
48.0

 

 

 

Retained Earnings
184.4

 
154.0

 
156.0

 
146.8

 
143.6

Fixed Assets (net)
98.4

 
77.2

 
61.5

 
61.9

 
69.9

Total Assets
434.9

 
403.6

 
334.7

 
310.8

 
305.3

Return on Average Equity
15.0
%
 
3.3
%
 
7.9
%
 
6.0
%
 
(37.2
)%
Pre-tax Income/(loss) as a Percentage of Sales
7.3
%
 
2.5
%
 
3.4
%
 
2.1
%
 
(25.8
)%
Net Income/(loss) as a Percentage of Sales
7.8
%
 
1.8
%
 
4.6
%
 
3.6
%
 
(26.2
)%

(1) Fiscal 2013 includes $20.0 million of pre-tax income from the Delphi legal settlement. Fiscal 2013 also includes a pre-tax charge of $4.3 million related to the impairment of goodwill for our Eetrex reporting unit.
(2) Fiscal 2012 includes $3.7 million of pre-tax legal expense relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit.
(3) Fiscal 2011 results includes an after-tax gain on the sale of a business of $0.6 million. In addition, fiscal 2011 includes $4.8 million of pre-tax legal expense relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit.
(4) Fiscal 2010 results include a pre-tax charge of $7.8 million relating to restructuring activities.  In addition, fiscal 2010 includes $5.8 million of pre-tax legal expense relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit.  Income tax includes a $8.4 million loss carry-back benefit related to losses in our U.S.-based businesses. 
(5) Fiscal 2009 results include a pre-tax charge of $94.4 million relating to goodwill and other asset impairments.  In addition, fiscal 2009 results include a pre-tax charge of $25.3 million relating to restructuring activities.  The income tax expense includes a $28.0 million valuation charge related to the uncertainty of the future realization of our deferred tax assets.  

11

Table of Contents

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless and sensing technologies.  Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other.   For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see “Item 1. Business.”
 
Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), rail and other transportation industries.
 
Delphi Settlement

In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million, half of which was paid in October 2012 and half of which was paid in January 2013. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, in the income from settlement section of our consolidated statement of operations.

Recent Transactions

In September 2012, we acquired certain assets of Hetronic South Europe S.R.L. for $1.4 million in cash, as well as the forgiveness of debt owed to the Company of $1.3 million, for total consideration of $2.7 million. We operate this business under the name Hetronic Italy. The business, located in Milan, Italy, is a market leader in industrial safety radio remote controls, primarily serving the Italian market. The accounts and transactions of Hetronic Italy have been included in the Hetronic Group in the Interconnect segment in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition.
    
In September 2011, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Nypro Monterrey, S. de R.L. (Nypro Monterrey) from Nypro Inc. for $6.4 million. We operate this injection molding and painting business under the name Advanced Molding and Decoration, S.A. de C.V. (AMD), and it has become a part of our existing Monterrey manufacturing campus and the Automotive segment. AMD operates a state-of-the-art facility, which provides us with high-quality injection molding, painting and decorating capabilities.

    

12


Results of Operations
 
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2013, as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 28, 2012.
 
Consolidated Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
519.8

 
$
465.1

 
$
54.7

 
11.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
428.2

 
382.0

 
46.2

 
12.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
91.6

 
83.1

 
8.5

 
10.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
4.3

 

 
4.3

 
N/M

Income from settlement
(20.0
)
 

 
(20.0
)
 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
66.3

 
69.9

 
(3.6
)
 
(5.2
)%
Amortization of intangibles
1.8

 
1.8

 

 
 %
Interest income, net

 
(0.3
)
 
0.3

 
(100.0
)%
Other expense, net
1.3

 
0.3

 
1.0

 
333.3
 %
Income tax (benefit)/expense
(2.5
)
 
3.2

 
(5.7
)
 
N/M

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(0.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
50.0
 %
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
$
40.7

 
$
8.4


$
32.3

 
384.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
82.4
 %
 
82.1
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
17.6
 %
 
17.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
0.8
 %
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement
(3.8
)%
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
12.8
 %
 
15.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles
0.3
 %
 
0.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Interest income, net
 %
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
Other expense, net
0.3
 %
 
0.1
 %
 
 
 
 
Income tax (benefit)/expense
(0.5
)%
 
0.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(0.1
)%
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
7.8
 %
 
1.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $54.7 million, or 11.8%, to $519.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013, from $465.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012.  The Automotive segment net sales increased $38.5 million, or 14.2%, to $310.1 million in fiscal 2013, from $271.6 million in fiscal 2012.  The Interconnect segment net sales increased $12.5 million, or 9.8%, to $140.2 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $127.7 million in fiscal 2012.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $0.7 million, or 1.3%, to $52.7 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $52.0 million in fiscal 2012.  The Other segment net sales increased $2.8 million, or 20.1%, to $16.7 million in fiscal 2013, as compared to $13.9 million in fiscal 2012.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for fiscal 2013 decreased reported net sales by $4.8 million or 0.8% compared to fiscal 2012, primarily due to the weakening of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar.

13


 
Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $46.2 million, or 12.1%, to $428.2 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $382.0 million in fiscal 2012.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales was slightly higher at 82.4% in fiscal 2013, compared to 82.1% in fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, the Automotive segment experienced costs in North America for design, development, and engineering of $7.1 million related to a new program which launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2012, our North American automotive operations experienced costs for design, development and engineering of $4.6 million for a program that launched in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, as well as the program which launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2013, we recorded expenses of $1.1 million related to building disposal costs and severance at our North American automotive operation. In fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, our North American operations incurred third-party inspection costs, premium freight and over-time expenses related to the Ford Center Console Program of $2.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively. In fiscal 2013, the Interconnect segment experienced an increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales primarily related to delaying the launch of a white goods program from the second quarter to the fourth quarter. In addition, the Interconnect segment's cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased in fiscal 2013 due to increased development costs in our North American sensor business. The Power Products segment's cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to favorable sales mix at our Asian operations, partially offset by increased development costs at our North American operations. The Other segment's cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to lower material costs due to a lower percentage of purchased content as well as increased manufacturing efficiencies from our torque-sensing business.
 
Gross Margins.  Consolidated gross margins increased $8.5 million, or 10.2%, to $91.6 million in fiscal 2013, as compared to $83.1 million in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 17.6% in fiscal 2013, compared to 17.9% in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to increased program and product launch costs in the Automotive segment. Gross margins were also negatively impacted by increased sales of automotive product that have higher material cost due to a higher percentage of purchased content as well as building disposal and severance costs. Gross margins were positively impacted in fiscal 2013 due to favorable adjustments for commodity pricing in the Automotive segment as well as lower third-party inspection costs, premium freight and over-time expenses related to the Ford Center Console Program. Gross margins were negatively impacted by manufacturing inefficiencies due to launch delays and development costs in the Interconnect segment. Gross margins were favorably impacted in the Power Products segment due to favorable sales mix and in our Other segment due to increased net sales and lower material costs in our torque-sensing business.
 
Impairment of Goodwill. As a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing, we determined that the fair value for one reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the unit's net assets and concluded that goodwill was impaired. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million for our Eetrex reporting unit in our Power Products segment related to these assets.

Income From Settlement.  In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million, half of which was paid in October 2012 and half of which was paid in January 2013. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, in the income from settlement section of our consolidated statement of operations.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $3.6 million, or 5.2%, to $66.3 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $69.9 million in fiscal 2012.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 12.8% in fiscal 2013 from 15.0% in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, the Company reversed $1.1 million of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy. Legal expenses decreased $2.1 million, to $3.9 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $6.0 million in fiscal 2012. Selling and administrative expenses also decreased in fiscal 2013 by $2.5 million due to lower stock-based compensation, lower headcount at our European and corporate offices, and lower advertising expenses. In fiscal 2013, bonus expense related to the tandem cash award component of our long-term incentive program increased by $2.1 million. See Note 4 for more information.
 
Amortization of Intangibles.  Amortization of intangibles remained constant at $1.8 million for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Interest Income, Net. Interest income, net decreased $0.3 million to zero in fiscal 2013, compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2012.


14


Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net increased $1.0 million to $1.3 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2012. Other expense, net included income of $0.4 million in fiscal 2012, related to life insurance policies in connection with an employee deferred compensation plan. Fiscal 2012 also includes a gain of $0.3 million related to the acquisition of Advanced Molding and Decoration. All other amounts for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Indian Rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc. Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense.  Income tax (benefit)/expense increased to a benefit of $2.5 million in fiscal 2013, compared to an expense of $3.2 million in fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2013 includes income taxes on foreign profits of $6.1 million. In addition, fiscal 2013 includes a benefit of $8.6 million related to tax credits from our Malta facility. The income tax expense for fiscal 2012 relates to income taxes on foreign profits of $3.1 million and $2.0 million for foreign taxes on a foreign dividend. In addition, fiscal 2012 includes a benefit of $1.9 million related to tax credits from our Malta facility.
 
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.  Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $32.3 million to $40.7 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $8.4 million in fiscal 2012.  The increase is primarily due to income from the litigation settlement, higher sales volumes, lower legal expenses, one-time reversal of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy and lower third-party inspection costs, premium freight and over-time expenses related to the Ford Center Console Program, partially offset with the impairment of goodwill, higher costs for design, development and engineering, building disposal and severance costs, increased bonus expense related to our long-term incentive program and higher currency translation costs.

Operating Segments
 
Automotive Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 ("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
310.1

 
$
271.6

 
$
38.5

 
14.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
266.6

 
233.3

 
33.3

 
14.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
43.5

 
38.3

 
5.2

 
13.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement
(20.0
)
 

 
(20.0
)
 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
24.7

 
28.3

 
(3.6
)
 
(12.7
)%
Income from operations
$
38.8

 
$
10.0

 
$
28.8

 
288.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
86.0
 %
 
85.9
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
14.0
 %
 
14.1
%
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement
(6.4
)%
 
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
8.0
 %
 
10.4
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
12.5
 %
 
3.7
%
 
 
 
 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $38.5 million, or 14.2%, to $310.1 million in fiscal 2013, from $271.6 million in fiscal 2012.  Net sales increased $26.2 million, or 37.5%, in North America, to $96.0 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $69.8 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to increased sales for our Ford Center Console Program and our transmission lead-frame assembly. Net sales increased in Europe by $15.6 million, or 12.8%, to $137.8 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $122.2 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to new launches for our hidden switch product lines. Net sales in Asia

15


decreased $3.3 million, or 4.1%, to $76.3 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $79.6 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to the planned partial transfer of some of the transmission lead-frame assembly product from our China facility to our Mexico facility. The transmission lead-frame assembly is now being manufactured at both facilities. Translation of foreign operations net sales for fiscal 2013 decreased reported net sales by $4.6 million, or 2.0%, compared to fiscal 2012, primarily due to the weakening of the Euro as compared to the U.S. dollar.

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $33.3 million, or 14.3%, to $266.6 million in fiscal 2013, from $233.3 million in fiscal 2012.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales was 86.0% for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, the Automotive segment experienced costs for design, development, and engineering of $7.1 million at our North American facility, related to a program launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2012, our North American operations experienced costs for design, development and engineering of $4.6 million for a program that launched in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, as well as the program launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. In both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, our North American operations experienced third-party inspection costs, premium freight and over-time expenses related to the Ford Center Console Program of $2.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively. In fiscal 2013, we recorded expenses of $1.1 million related to building disposal and severance costs at our North American automotive operation.
 
Gross Margins.  Automotive segment gross margins increased $5.2 million, or 13.6%, to $43.5 million in fiscal 2013, as compared to $38.3 million in fiscal 2012.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales were flat at 14.0% in both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2013 gross margins as a percentage of sales were flat which were impacted by increased program and product launch costs and increased sales of automotive product that have higher material cost due to the high percentage of purchased content as well as building disposal and severance costs but was offset by favorable adjustments for commodity pricing as well as lower third-party inspection costs, premium freight and over-time expenses related to the Ford Center Console Program.

Income From Settlement.  In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million, half of which was paid in October 2012 and half of which was paid in January 2013. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, in the income from settlement section of our consolidated statement of operations.
     
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $3.6 million, or 12.7%, to $24.7 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $28.3 million in fiscal 2012.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 8.0% in fiscal 2013 and 10.4% in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, the Company reversed $1.1 million of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy. Legal fees decreased $1.7 million, to $2.1 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $3.8 million in fiscal 2012. In addition, selling and administrative expenses were also lower by $0.8 million due to lower headcount from European operations in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012.
 
Income from Operations.  Automotive segment income from operations increased $28.8 million to $38.8 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $10.0 million in fiscal 2012 due to income from the litigation settlement, increased sales, lower costs for third-party inspection, the favorable commodity pricing adjustments, lower legal and other selling and administrative expenses, partially offset with higher design, development and engineering expenses and building disposal and severance costs.
 

16


Interconnect Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
140.2

 
$
127.7

 
$
12.5

 
9.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
103.4

 
91.5

 
11.9

 
13.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
36.8

 
36.2

 
0.6

 
1.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
17.8

 
18.1

 
(0.3
)
 
(1.7
)%
Income from operations
$
19.0

 
$
18.1

 
$
0.9

 
5.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
73.8
%
 
71.7
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
26.2
%
 
28.3
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
12.7
%
 
14.2
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
13.6
%
 
14.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Interconnect segment net sales increased $12.5 million, or 9.8%, to $140.2 million in fiscal 2013, from $127.7 million in fiscal 2012.  Net sales increased in North America by $18.0 million, or 20.7%, to $104.9 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $86.9 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to stronger sales for data solution and white good products, partially offset with weaker radio remote control sales. Net sales in Europe decreased $2.5 million, or 10.2%, to $21.9 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $24.4 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to weaker radio remote control and sensor sales. Net sales in Asia decreased $3.0 million, or 18.3%, to $13.4 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $16.4 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to weaker sales of radio remote controls and certain legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold increased $11.9 million, or 13.0%, to $103.4 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $91.5 million in fiscal 2012.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 73.8% in fiscal 2013, compared to 71.7% in fiscal 2012.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily related to sales mix of white good products and manufacturing inefficiencies due to the delayed launch of a white goods program in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which did launch in the fourth quarter. In addition, cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, due to increased development costs in our North American sensor business.

Gross Margins.  Interconnect segment gross margins increased $0.6 million, or 1.7%, to $36.8 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $36.2 million in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.2% in fiscal 2013, from 28.3% in fiscal 2012.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily related to unfavorable sales mix of white good products and the white goods program launch delay. In addition, gross margins sold as a percentage of sales decreased in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, due to increased development costs in our North American sensor business.
 
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 1.7%, to $17.8 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $18.1 million in fiscal 2012.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 12.7% in fiscal 2013, from 14.2% in fiscal 2012. The decrease is primarily due to lower headcount and travel expense in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012. 
 
Income from Operations.  Interconnect segment income from operations increased $0.9 million, or 5.0%, to $19.0 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $18.1 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to increased net sales, lower headcount and

17


travel expenses, partially offset with increased costs for manufacturing inefficiencies due to launch delay and higher development costs.

Power Products Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 ("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
52.7

 
$
52.0

 
$
0.7

 
1.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
43.6

 
43.4

 
0.2

 
0.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
9.1

 
8.6

 
0.5

 
5.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
4.3

 

 
4.3

 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
6.9

 
6.9

 

 
 %
Income/(loss) from operations
$
(2.1
)
 
$
1.7

 
$
(3.8
)
 
(223.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
82.7
 %
 
83.5
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
17.3
 %
 
16.5
%
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
8.2
 %
 
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
13.1
 %
 
13.3
%
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from operations
(4.0
)%
 
3.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $0.7 million, or 1.3%, to $52.7 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $52.0 million in fiscal 2012.  Net sales in North America were flat at $34.3 million for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013 we experienced lower demand for our busbar and heat sink products and higher demand for our cabling products. Net sales in Europe increased $1.2 million, or 54.5%, to $3.4 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $2.2 million in fiscal 2012 due to higher demand for busbar products. Net sales in Asia decreased $0.5 million, or 3.2%, to $15.0 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $15.5 million in fiscal 2012, due to lower demand for busbar products.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $0.2 million, or 0.5%, to $43.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $43.4 million in fiscal 2012.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 82.7% in fiscal 2013, from 83.5% in fiscal 2012.  The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to favorable sales mix at our Asian operations, partially offset by increased development costs at our North American operations.

Gross Margins.  Power Products segment gross margins increased $0.5 million, or 5.8%, to $9.1 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $8.6 million in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 17.3% in fiscal 2013 from 16.5% in fiscal 2012.  The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily due to favorable sales mix at our Asian operations, partially offset by increased development costs at our North American operations.

Impairment of Goodwill.  As a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing, we determined that the fair value for our Eetrex reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the unit's net assets and concluded that goodwill was impaired. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million related to these assets.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses were flat at $6.9 million for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.1% in fiscal 2013 from 13.3% in fiscal 2012, primarily due to higher net sales.
 

18


Income/(Loss) From Operations.  Power Products segment income/(loss) from operations decreased $3.8 million to a loss of $2.1 million in fiscal 2013, compared to income of $1.7 million in fiscal 2012, due to the impairment of goodwill and increased development costs, partially offset with higher net sales and favorable sales mix.
 
Other Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)

 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
16.7

 
$
13.9

 
$
2.8

 
20.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
10.6

 
10.4

 
0.2

 
1.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
6.1

 
3.5

 
2.6

 
74.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
2.6

 
3.7

 
(1.1
)
 
(29.7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from operations
$
3.5

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
3.7

 
N/M

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
63.5
%
 
74.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
36.5
%
 
25.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
15.6
%
 
26.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from operations
21.0
%
 
(1.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $2.8 million, or 20.1%, to $16.7 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $13.9 million in fiscal 2012.  Net sales from our torque-sensing business increased 37.7% in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012, primarily due to penetration in the e-bike and motorcycle markets.  Net sales from our testing facilities decreased 2.6% in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.2 million, or 1.9%, to $10.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $10.4 million in fiscal 2012. Cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 63.5% in fiscal 2013, compared to 74.8% in fiscal 2012. The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower material costs related to a lower percentage of purchased content and increased manufacturing efficiencies from our torque-sensing business.

Gross Margins.  The Other segment gross margins increased $2.6 million, or 74.3%, to $6.1 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2012.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 36.5% in fiscal 2013, from 25.2% in fiscal 2012. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily due to decreased material costs and increased manufacturing efficiencies from our torque-sensing business.
 
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 29.7%, to $2.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $3.7 million in fiscal 2012.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 15.6% in fiscal 2013, from 26.6% in fiscal 2012. Selling and administrative expenses decreased in fiscal 2013, compared to fiscal 2012, due to lower compensation, severance and legal expenses.
 
Income/(Loss) From Operations  The Other segment income/(loss) from operations improved $3.7 million to income of $3.5 million in fiscal 2013, compared to a loss of $0.2 million in fiscal 2012.  The increase was primarily due to increased sales, lower material costs, increased manufacturing efficiencies from our torque-sensing business and lower selling and administrative expenses.


19


Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended April 28, 2012, as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011.
 
Consolidated Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
465.1

 
$
428.2

 
$
36.9

 
8.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
382.0

 
339.0

 
43.0

 
12.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
83.1

 
89.2

 
(6.1
)
 
(6.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
69.9

 
70.8

 
(0.9
)
 
(1.3
)%
Amortization of intangibles
1.8

 
2.4

 
(0.6
)
 
(25.0
)%
Interest (income)/expense, net
(0.3
)
 
0.2

 
(0.5
)
 
(100.0
)%
Other expense, net
0.3

 
1.3

 
(1.0
)
 
(76.9
)%
Income tax (benefit)/expense
3.2

 
(4.1
)
 
7.3

 
N/M

Gain on sale of discontinued business, net of tax

 
(0.6
)
 
0.6

 
N/M

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.1

 
50.0
 %
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
$
8.4

 
$
19.5


$
(11.1
)
 
(56.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
82.1
 %
 
79.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
17.9
 %
 
20.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
15.0
 %
 
16.5
 %
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles
0.4
 %
 
0.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Interest (income)/expense, net
(0.1
)%
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Other expense, net
0.1
 %
 
0.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Income tax (benefit)/expense
0.7
 %
 
(1.0
)%
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of discontinued business, net of tax
 %
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 %
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
1.8
 %
 
4.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $36.9 million, or 8.6%, to $465.1 million for fiscal 2012, from $428.2 million for fiscal 2011.  The Automotive segment net sales increased $45.6 million, or 20.2%, to $271.6 million for fiscal 2012, from $226.0 million for fiscal 2011.  The Interconnect segment net sales decreased $11.1 million, or 8.0%, to $127.7 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $138.8 million for fiscal 2011.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $1.6 million, or 3.2%, to $52.0 million for fiscal 2012, as compared to $50.4 million for fiscal 2011.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.9 million, or 6.9%, to $13.9 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $13.0 million for fiscal 2011.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for fiscal 2012 increased reported net sales by $2.3 million or 0.5% due to average currency rates in fiscal 2012, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2011.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $43.0 million, or 12.7%, to $382.0 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $339.0 million for fiscal 2011.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 82.1% for fiscal 2012, compared to 79.2% for fiscal 2011.  In fiscal 2012, the Automotive segment experienced design, development, engineering and launch costs of $4.6 million, compared to $1.2 million in fiscal 2011 related to a program that

20


launched in fiscal 2012 and new program that will not launch until the later part of fiscal 2013. In addition, this segment incurred costs of $3.3 million related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, compared to $2.3 million in fiscal 2011. The Power Products segment reported costs of $2.4 million for new product development for fiscal 2012, compared to $1.9 million for fiscal 2011. Fiscal 2011 includes a charge of $1.3 million in our Automotive segment for negotiated program termination costs for certain products manufactured in our Malta automotive facility, as well as an inventory and equipment charge of $0.4 million relating to the customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in the U.S. in our Power Products segment.
 
Gross Margins.  Consolidated gross margins decreased $6.1 million, or 6.8%, to $83.1 million for fiscal 2012, as compared to $89.2 million for fiscal 2011.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales were 17.9% for fiscal 2012, compared to 20.8% for fiscal 2011.  Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to new program and product launch costs and increased costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues. In addition, gross margins were negatively impacted by increased sales of automotive product that has higher material cost due to the current high percentage of purchased content. Gross margins were negatively impacted in fiscal 2011 for negotiated program termination costs for certain products as well as costs associated with the customer cancellation of certain products.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $0.9 million, or 1.3%, to $69.9 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $70.8 million for fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $2.1 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC, related to the Delphi bankruptcy. Stock award amortization expense increased by $1.0 million, to $4.0 million for fiscal 2012, compared with $3.0 million for fiscal 2011. Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million in fiscal 2012 due to the acquisitions of Eetrex and AMD. Legal expenses decreased $0.7 million, to $6.0 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $6.7 million in fiscal 2011, primarily due to lower Delphi litigation expenses, partially offset with legal expenses related to the AMD acquisition. Fiscal 2011 includes income of $0.5 million received for grants at one of our Malta facilities. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 15.0% for fiscal 2012 from 16.5% for fiscal 2011.
 
Amortization of Intangibles.  Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.6 million, or 25.0%, to $1.8 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $2.4 million for fiscal 2011. The decrease is primarily due to certain intangible assets that became fully amortized by the end of fiscal 2011.

Interest (Income)/Expense, Net.  Interest (income)/expense, net was income of $0.3 million for fiscal 2012, compared to an expense of $0.2 million for fiscal 2011.

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net decreased $1.0 million, or 76.9%, to $0.3 million for fiscal 2012, as compared to $1.3 million for fiscal 2011.  Other income included income of $0.4 million and $1.2 million for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively, related to life insurance policies in connection with an employee deferred compensation plan. Fiscal 2012 includes a gain of $0.3 million related to the acquisition of AMD. All other amounts for both periods relate to expenses for currency rate fluctuations.  The functional currencies of our international operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Indian rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.
 
Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense.  Income tax (benefit)/expense increased by $7.3 million to an expense of $3.2 million for fiscal 2012, compared to a benefit of $4.1 million for fiscal 2011.  The income tax expense for fiscal 2012 relates to income taxes on foreign profits of $3.1 million and $2.0 million for foreign taxes on a foreign dividend. In addition, fiscal 2012 includes a benefit of $1.9 million related to tax credits from our Malta facility. Fiscal 2011 includes a benefit for an intraperiod tax allocation related to the sale of Optokon of $3.5 million and a benefit of $2.7 million related to the expiration of uncertain tax positions and interest from prior periods, partially offset by a net income tax expense on foreign profits of $2.1 million.
 
Gain on the Sale of Discontinued Business, Net of Tax.  In March 2011, we sold our 75% ownership in Optokon, to the minority shareholder for $10.0 million. The net assets of our 75% ownership had a book value of $9.9 million. We recorded a gain of $4.1 million for sale of the net assets, primarily attributable to the cumulative translation gains since the date of the initial investment. We also recorded income taxes related to the sale of $3.5 million, resulting in a gain net after tax of $0.6 million. The tax expense was based on the amount sold of $10.0 million less our initial investment of $1.2 million, resulting in a taxable gain of $8.8 million. In the sale, we received $5.9 million in cash as well as a collateralized note for $4.1 million.

Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.   Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. decreased $11.1 million, to $8.4 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $19.5 million for fiscal 2011.  The decrease is primarily due to the higher expenses for new product development and product launches, increased stock award amortization expense, increased

21


costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, higher tax expense, higher selling and administrative expenses due to acquisitions, the absence of a grant from our Malta facility and lower life insurance proceeds and the gain on the sale of the Optokon business in fiscal 2011, partially offset by higher sales, lower legal expenses and the absence of expense for Blue Angel claims and the absence of negotiated cancellation costs and inventory charges.

Operating Segments
 
Automotive Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
271.6

 
$
226.0

 
$
45.6

 
20.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
233.3

 
186.3

 
47.0

 
25.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
38.3

 
39.7

 
(1.4
)
 
(3.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
28.3

 
26.4

 
1.9

 
7.2
 %
Income from operations
$
10.0

 
$
13.3

 
$
(3.3
)
 
(24.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
85.9
%
 
82.4
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
14.1
%
 
17.6
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
10.4
%
 
11.7
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
3.7
%
 
5.9
%
 
 
 
 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $45.6 million, or 20.2%, to $271.6 million for fiscal 2012, from $226.0 million for fiscal 2011.  Net sales increased in North America, Europe and Asia by 108.5%, 5.2% and 3.4%, respectively.  The increase in North America is primarily due to increased sales for our Ford Center Console Program and transmission lead-frame assembly as well as sales from the AMD business acquired in September 2011. The increase in Asia is due to increases in our transmission lead-frame and steering angle sensor products and the increase in Europe is primarily due to currency fluctuations. Translation of foreign operations net sales for fiscal 2012 increased reported net sales by $2.1 million, or 0.8%, due to average currency rates in fiscal 2012, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2011.

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $47.0 million, or 25.2%, to $233.3 million in fiscal 2012, from $186.3 million in fiscal 2011.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 85.9% in fiscal 2012, compared to 82.4% in fiscal 2011.  In fiscal 2012, the Automotive segment experienced design, development, engineering and launch costs of $4.6 million, compared to $1.2 million in fiscal 2011 related to a program that launched in fiscal 2012 and new program that will not launch until the later part of fiscal 2013. In addition, our North American operations experienced costs of $3.3 million related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, compared to $2.3 million in fiscal 2011. The increase in costs of products sold as a percentage of sales was also affected by increased sales of product that has a higher material cost due to the current high percentage of purchased content. Fiscal 2011 includes a charge of $1.3 million for negotiated program termination costs for certain products manufactured in our Malta facility.
  
Gross Margins.  Automotive segment gross margins decreased $1.4 million, or 3.5%, to $38.3 million in fiscal 2012, as compared to $39.7 million in fiscal 2011.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales were 14.1% in fiscal 2012, as compared to 17.6% in fiscal 2011.  Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011, due to the design, development, engineering and launch costs related to new programs and new product launches, as well as increased costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues. In addition, gross margins were negatively impacted in fiscal 2012 by increased sales of product that has higher material cost due to the current high percentage of purchased content. The gross margins in fiscal 2011 were negatively impacted by the negotiated program termination costs.

22



     Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.9 million, or 7.2%, to $28.3 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $26.4 million in fiscal 2011.  During fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $2.1 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC, related to the Delphi bankruptcy. Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million in fiscal 2012 due to the acquisition of AMD. In addition, selling and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million in fiscal 2012 due to additional support staff needed for the development of products not expected to begin production until the later part of fiscal 2013. Legal expenses decreased $0.7 million, to $6.0 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $6.7 million in fiscal 2011, primarily due to lower Delphi litigation expenses, partially offset with legal expenses related to the AMD acquisition. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 10.4% in fiscal 2012 and 11.7% in fiscal 2011.
 
Income from Operations.  Automotive segment income from operations decreased $3.3 million, or 24.8%, to $10.0 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $13.3 million in fiscal 2011 due to increased expenses related to new programs and new product launches, increased costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, partially offset with higher sales volumes and lower legal expenses and the absence of an expense for litigation regarding the Blue Angel dispute.
 
Interconnect Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
127.7

 
$
138.8

 
$
(11.1
)
 
(8.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
91.5

 
96.8

 
(5.3
)
 
(5.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
36.2

 
42.0

 
(5.8
)
 
(13.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
18.1

 
22.0

 
(3.9
)
 
(17.7
)%
Income from operations
$
18.1

 
$
20.0

 
$
(1.9
)
 
(9.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
71.7
%
 
69.7
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
28.3
%
 
30.3
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
14.2
%
 
15.9
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
14.2
%
 
14.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Interconnect segment net sales decreased $11.1 million, or 8.0%, to $127.7 million in fiscal 2012, from $138.8 million in fiscal 2011.  Net sales decreased 5.9% in North America primarily due to weak sales for white goods and interface solutions products, partially offset by stronger sales for data and radio remote control devices. Net sales in Europe decreased 16.4% primarily due to no optical sales in fiscal 2012, due to the sale of the optical business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, partially offset by higher sales for data and radio remote control devices. Net sales in Asia decreased 4.2% primarily due to lower sales for legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold decreased $5.3 million, or 5.5%, to $91.5 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $96.8 million in fiscal 2011.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 71.7% in fiscal 2012, compared to 69.7% in fiscal 2011.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to lower sales volumes for white goods and interface solutions products.

Gross Margins.  Interconnect segment gross margins decreased $5.8 million, or 13.8%, to $36.2 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $42.0 million in fiscal 2011.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 28.3% in fiscal 2012, from

23


30.3% in fiscal 2011.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily relates to lower sales volumes for white goods and interface solutions products.
  
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $3.9 million, or 17.7%, to $18.1 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $22.0 million in fiscal 2011.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to no selling and administrative expenses for our optical business, as well as lower salary and bonus expenses for our sensor business.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 14.2% in fiscal 2012, from 15.9% in fiscal 2011.
 
Income from Operations.  Interconnect segment income from operations decreased $1.9 million, or 9.5%, to $18.1 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $20.0 million in fiscal 2011 primarily due to lower sales of white goods products, partially offset with lower other selling and administrative expenses.

Power Products Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
52.0

 
$
50.4

 
$
1.6

 
3.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
43.4

 
39.8

 
3.6

 
9.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
8.6

 
10.6

 
(2.0
)
 
(18.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
6.9

 
7.0

 
(0.1
)
 
(1.4
)%
Income from operations
$
1.7

 
$
3.6

 
$
(1.9
)
 
(52.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
83.5
%
 
79.0
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
16.5
%
 
21.0
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
13.3
%
 
13.9
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
3.3
%
 
7.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $1.6 million, or 3.2%, to $52.0 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $50.4 million in fiscal 2011.  Net sales increased by 4.1% in North America and by 3.8% in Asia, driven primarily by higher demand for our busbar products. Europe decreased by 13.8% due to lower demand for busbar products.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $3.6 million, or 9.0%, to $43.4 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $39.8 million in fiscal 2011.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 83.5% in fiscal 2012, from 79.0% in fiscal 2011.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to unfavorable product mix for our North American cabling business, as well as increased costs for product development in North America. The product development costs were $2.4 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $1.9 million in fiscal 2011. Fiscal 2011 includes an inventory and equipment write-down charge of $0.4 million relating to a customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in our U.S. facility.
 
Gross Margins.  Power Products segment gross margins decreased $2.0 million, or 18.9%, to $8.6 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $10.6 million in fiscal 2011.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 16.5% in fiscal 2012, from 21.0% in fiscal 2011.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily due to unfavorable product mix from our North American cabling business, as well as increased costs for product development in North America.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 1.4%, to $6.9 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $7.0 million in fiscal 2011. Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to lower

24


salary and bonuses in the North American businesses, partially offset with new product development in North America as well as selling and administrative expenses related to the Eetrex business. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 13.3% in fiscal 2012 from 13.9% in fiscal 2011.
 
Income From Operations.  Power Products segment income from operations decreased $1.9 million, or 52.8%, to $1.7 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $3.6 million in fiscal 2011, due to unfavorable product mix from our North American cabling business, increased expenses for new product development, partially offset by higher sales and absence of a customer cancellation charge.
 
Other Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)

 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
13.9

 
$
13.0

 
$
0.9

 
6.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
10.4

 
12.0

 
(1.6
)
 
(13.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
3.5

 
1.0

 
2.5

 
250.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
3.7

 
3.0

 
0.7

 
23.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(2.0
)
 
$
1.8

 
(90.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
74.8
 %
 
92.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
25.2
 %
 
7.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
26.6
 %
 
23.1
 %
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
(1.4
)%
 
(15.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.9 million, or 6.9%, to $13.9 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $13.0 million in fiscal 2011.  Net sales from our torque-sensing business increased 6.8% in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011.  Net sales from our testing facilities increased 7.7% in fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011.
  
Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold decreased $1.6 million, or 13.3%, to $10.4 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $12.0 million in fiscal 2011. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 74.8% in fiscal 2012, compared to 92.3% in fiscal 2011. The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to higher sales volumes as well as favorable product mix from our torque-sensing business.

Gross Margins.  The Other segment gross margins increased $2.5 million, or 250.0%, to $3.5 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $1.0 million in fiscal 2011.  The increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily due to higher sales as well as favorable product mix from our torque-sensing business.
 
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million, or 23.3%, to $3.7 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $3.0 million in fiscal 2011.  The increase is primarily due to expenses related to higher stock award amortization expense and severance. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.6% in fiscal 2012, from 23.1% in fiscal 2011.
 
Loss From Operations  The Other segment loss from operations decreased $1.8 million, or 90.0%, to $0.2 million in fiscal 2012, compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2011.  The loss decreased primarily due to increased sales and favorable product mix from our torque-sensing business, partially offset with higher stock award amortization expense and severance in fiscal 2012, as compared to fiscal 2011. 

25


Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We believe our current world-wide cash balances together with expected future cash flows to be generated from operations and our committed credit facility will be sufficient to support current operations. Due to the shifting of operations from the U.S. to foreign locations, a significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. Of the $65.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, as of April 27, 2013, $61.2 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. and all of this amount is deemed to be permanently reinvested and therefore not available to fund our domestic operations. We currently have $28.1 million of net operating loss carry-forwards in the U.S. which would reduce the cash tax obligation (if the carry-forward have not otherwise been used) upon any future repatriation of funds.
 
On September 21, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which increased the maximum principal amount of the credit facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $50.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The amendment also extended the maturity date from February 25, 2016 to September 21, 2017. The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. At April 27, 2013, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.5% plus LIBOR. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries. At April 27, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During fiscal 2013, we had borrowings of $37.0 million and payments of $42.5 million, which includes interest of $1.0 million under this credit facility. As of April 27, 2013, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $43.5 million.  There was $56.5 million available to borrow under the credit facility as of April 27, 2013, which does not include the option to increase the principal amount. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 27, 2013.
Operating cash flow is summarized below (in millions):
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 27,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
Net income
$
40.4

 
$
8.1

 
$
19.2

Depreciation and amortization
18.8

 
16.2

 
15.8

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(26.5
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(16.1
)
Other non-cash items
0.5

 
2.4

 
(1.9
)
Cash flow from operations
$
33.2

 
$
24.8

 
$
17.0

 
Operating Activities — Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
 
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $8.4 million to $33.2 million for fiscal 2013, compared to $24.8 million for fiscal 2012, primarily driven by the increase of $32.3 million in net income, to $40.4 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $8.1 million in fiscal 2012. Operating cash flow in fiscal 2013 benefited by $20.0 million related to the income from settlement, which is reflected in net income and was paid to the Company in fiscal 2013. The net changes in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable balances, resulted in a cash use of $35.9 million in fiscal 2013, compared to cash generated of $8.4 million in fiscal 2012. The increased cash use of these components in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 is primarily driven by increased sales and overall business levels in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2012, cash flow from operations increased by $13.2 million due to tax refunds received relating to prior periods.

Operating Activities — Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
 
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $7.8 million to $24.8 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $17.0 million for fiscal 2011, despite net income decline of $11.1 million, to $8.1 million, compared to $19.2 million for fiscal 2011. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily attributable to the increase in cash generated from the changes in operating assets and liabilities. Our trade accounts receivable used $13.5 million of cash in fiscal 2012 due to the timing of sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Inventory and prepaid and other expenses used cash of $4.4 million and accounts payable and accrued expenses generated $25.2 million, due to the timing of accounts payable payments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and the increase in deferred income tax liabilities. In fiscal 2011, cash flow from operations increased by $13.2 million due to tax refunds received relating to prior periods.


26


 Investing Activities — Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
 
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $7.9 million, to $40.0 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $32.1 million in fiscal 2012.  Purchases of property, plant and equipment increased $12.9 million, to $38.6 million in fiscal 2013, compared to $25.7 million in fiscal 2012. The increase primarily relates to plant expansion and equipment purchases in Europe and North America for products launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2013, we acquired the Hetronic Italy business for $1.4 million. In fiscal 2012, we acquired the Advanced Molding and Decoration business for $6.4 million. Also in fiscal 2012, we made an additional investment of $1.1 million in Eetrex, for a total ownership in the business of 70%. See Note 2 for more information regarding these purchase transactions for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.

Investing Activities — Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
 
Net cash used in investing activities increased $15.9 million to $32.1 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $16.2 million for fiscal 2011. Purchases of property, plant and equipment increased by $10.5 million, to $25.7 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $15.2 million for fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily due to equipment purchased for new programs that launched in fiscal 2012 and for the programs scheduled to launch in late fiscal 2013. In addition, property, plant and equipment increased due to plant expansions in Europe, China and in the U.S. In fiscal 2012, we purchased a business, Advanced Molding and Decoration, for $6.6 million. In fiscal 2011, we made an additional investment of $2.4 million in Eetrex, for a total ownership in the business of 90%. See Note 2 for more information regarding these purchase transactions for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011. Also in fiscal 2011, we received $1.5 million for life insurance proceeds in connection with the deferred compensation plan.
 
Financing Activities — Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012
 
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities decreased $52.3 million to cash used of $14.3 million in fiscal 2013, compared to cash provided of $38.0 million in fiscal 2012.  In fiscal 2013, the Company had net payments against the credit facility of $4.5 million, compared to net borrowings of $48.0 million in fiscal 2012. We paid dividends of $10.4 million in both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. Fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 financing activities included $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of proceeds for the exercise of stock options.

Financing Activities — Fiscal 2012 Compared to Fiscal 2011
 
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities increased $47.2 million to cash provided of $37.9 million in fiscal 2012, compared to a cash use of $9.3 million in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2012, the Company had net borrowings against the credit facility of $48.0 million, compared to no net borrowings in fiscal 2011. We paid dividends of $10.4 million and $10.3 million for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2012 included $0.3 million of proceeds for the exercise of stock options, compared to $1.0 million for fiscal 2011.

Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and commitments, as of April 27, 2013 (in thousands):
 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
Total
 
Less than
 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
More than
 5 years
Operating leases
$
12,089

 
$
4,604

 
$
3,715

 
$
1,208

 
$
2,562

Long-term debt
43,500

 

 

 
43,500

 

Purchase obligations
87,632

 
87,581

 
51

 

 

Deferred compensation
5,635

 
474

 
2,064

 
214

 
2,883

Total
$
148,856

 
$
92,659

 
$
5,830

 
$
44,922

 
$
5,445

 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the operating leases and purchase obligations noted in the preceding table.
 

27



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we do not believe that it is reasonably likely that changes will occur.  We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue on product sales when (i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, (ii) the price is fixed or determinable, (iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and (iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured.  Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment.  We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products.  We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned.  Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The amount of the allowance is based on the age of unpaid amounts, information about the creditworthiness of customers, and other relevant information. Estimates of uncollectible amounts are revised each period, and changes are recorded in the period they become known. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
 
In addition, our revenues and accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively small number of customers.  A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any one of these customers or a deterioration in the economic environment or automotive industry, in general, could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of our accounts receivable and our future operating results, and additional allowances for doubtful accounts.
 
Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventory.  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value and have been reduced by allowances for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowances are based on our review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales, using assumptions about future product life cycles, product demand and market conditions.  If actual product life cycles, product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by us, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350 - Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis by applying a fair-value-based test. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units, as defined under FASB ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated using a two-step impairment test at the reporting unit level. The first step compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we complete the second step to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss that we should record. In the second step, we determine an implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.
In performing our annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units based on projected future operating results and cash flows, market assumptions and comparative market multiple methods. Determining fair value requires significant estimates and assumptions based on an evaluation of a number of factors, such as marketplace participants, relative market share, future expansion or contraction expectations, amount and timing of future cash flows and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Projected future operating results and cash flows used for valuation purposes may reflect considerable improvements relative to historical periods with respect to, among other things, revenue growth and operating margins. Although we believe our projected future operating results  and cash flows and related estimates regarding fair values are based on reasonable assumptions, historically projected operating results and cash flows have not always been achieved. The failure of one of our reporting units to achieve projected operating results and cash flows in the near term or long term may reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value and result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. Significant management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of

28


operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and our cost of capital, are based on the best available market information and are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions. These assumptions could be adversely impacted by certain of the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.
As of April 27, 2013, prior to our annual goodwill impairment testing, we had goodwill of $11.9 million for two businesses in the Interconnect segment and goodwill of $5.3 million for two businesses in the Power Products segment, for a total of $17.2 million. We performed "step one" of the goodwill test on the four reporting units. Based on this test, we determined that the fair value for three of the reporting units exceeding their carrying values by approximately 16% to 75%, and the Eetrex reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the net assets. We completed "step two" of the goodwill test for Eetrex and concluded that goodwill was impaired, and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million in our Power Products segment related to these assets. The assumptions used in the valuation of these reporting units were made using management's most recent projections which are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. We continue to monitor the operating results and cash flows of our reporting units on a quarterly basis for signs of possible declines in estimated fair value and goodwill impairment.

The fair value of our trademarks are estimated and compared to the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to a projected revenues from our annual operating budgets; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademarks; and a discount rate. An impairment loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value.

Based on our results of our impairment test performed on one business in the Interconnect segment as of April 27, 2013, no impairment of trademarks was determined to exist. The fair values of the trademarks tested exceeded their carrying value by approximately 45%.

Income Taxes.  As part of the process of preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to calculate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves determining actual current tax expense along with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for book and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income and tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance.  We currently have $22.2 million of federal NOL carry-forwards and $6.2 million of state NOL carry-forwards in the U.S. Both amounts have a 100% valuation allowance provided for as of April 27, 2013. The tax laws of Malta provide for investment tax credits of 30% of certain qualified expenditures.  Unused credits of $21.5 million as of April 27, 2013 can be carried forward indefinitely.  We have accumulated investment tax credits in excess of amounts more likely than not to be realized based upon projections of taxable income to be generated within a reasonable time period.  Valuation allowances of $7.2 million as of April 27, 2013 have been provided for this excess.
 
Contingencies.  We are subject to various investigations, claims, legal and administrative proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities.  A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. For those matters that we can estimate a range of loss, we have established reserves at levels within that range to provide for the most likely scenario based upon available information.  The valuation of reserves for contingencies is reviewed on a quarterly basis to assure that the Company is properly reserved. Reserve balances are adjusted to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing issues and the establishment of additional reserves for emerging issues. While we believe that the current level of reserves is adequate, changes in the future could impact these determinations.
 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Certain of our foreign operations enter into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency, primarily the U.S. dollar and the Euro.  A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our income before income taxes by $2.5 million and $3.4 million at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.  We also have foreign currency exposure arising from the translation of our net equity investment in our foreign operations to U.S. dollars.  We generally view our investments in foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar as long-term.  The currencies to which we are exposed are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our net foreign investments by $19.5 million at April 27, 2013 and $21.3 million at April 28, 2012.

29

Table of Contents


We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate risk from our credit agreement, under which we had $43.5 million of net borrowings at April 27, 2013. We estimate that a one percentage point change in interest rates would not have a material impact on our results of operations for fiscal 2014 based upon our current and expected levels of our debt.
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
See Item 15 for an Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule.  Such Financial Statements and Schedule are incorporated herein by reference.
 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s applicable rules and forms.  As a result of this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013 based on the guidelines established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Based on the results of our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 27, 2013. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee.  Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst and Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.  This report is included on page F-2 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 9B. Other Information

None
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that was conducted during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how

30


well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by a management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Information regarding our directors will be included under the captions “Proposal One:  Election of Directors” and “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting to be held on September 12, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.  Information regarding our executive officers is included under a separate caption in Part I hereof, and is incorporated herein by reference, in accordance with General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K and Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.  Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and information regarding our Audit Committee will be included under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Audit Committee Matters,” respectively, in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct (the “Code”) that applies to our directors, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and persons performing similar functions, as well as other employees.  The Code is publicly available on our website at www.methode.com.  If we make any substantive amendments to the Code or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
 
Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Executive Compensation Tables” and “Director Compensation” in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting to be held on September 12, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Security Ownership” in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting to be held on September 12, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting to be held on September 12, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Audit Committee Matters” in the definitive proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting to be held on September 12, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference.


31


PART IV
 
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) The documents included in the following indexes are filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
(1) (2) The response to this portion of Item 15 is included in this report under the captions  “Financial Statements” and “Financial Statement Schedule” below, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(3)     See “Index to Exhibits” immediately following the financial statement schedule.
 
(b)                See “Index to Exhibits” immediately following the financial statement schedule.
 
(c)                See “Financial Statements” and “Financial Statement Schedule.”


32


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
By:
/s/ DOUGLAS A. KOMAN
 
Douglas A. Koman
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
  
Dated:  June 20, 2013
 

33


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report annual report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s / WALTER J. ASPATORE
 
Chairman of the Board
 
June 20, 2013
Walter J. Aspatore
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / CHRISTOPHER J. HORNUNG
 
Vice Chairman of the Board
 
June 20, 2013
Christopher J. Hornung
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DONALD W. DUDA
 
Chief Executive Officer, President & Director
 
June 20, 2013
Donald W. Duda
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / DOUGLAS A. KOMAN
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
June 20, 2013
Douglas A. Koman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / WARREN L. BATTS
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Warren L. Batts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ J. EDWARD COLGATE
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
J. Edward Colgate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DARREN M. DAWSON
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Darren M. Dawson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / STEPHEN F. GATES
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Stephen F. Gates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / ISABELLE C. GOOSSEN
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Isabelle C. Goossen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / PAUL G. SHELTON
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Paul G. Shelton
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s / LAWRENCE B. SKATOFF
 
Director
 
June 20, 2013
Lawrence B. Skatoff
 
 
 
 

34


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-K
 
ITEM 15 (a) (1) and (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are immaterial and, therefore, have been omitted.

35


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Methode Electronics, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 27, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 27, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 20, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
 
 
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
June 20, 2013
 

F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Methode Electronics, Inc.

We have audited Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries' management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2013, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Methode Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 27, 2013 and our report dated June 20, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
June 20, 2013
 

F-2


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)

 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
ASSETS
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
65,811

 
$
86,797

Accounts receivable, less allowance (2013 — $1,022; 2012 —$1,279)
119,816

 
98,359

Inventories:
 

 
 

Finished products
11,736

 
7,001

Work in process
10,220

 
14,235

Materials
37,973

 
22,325

 
59,929

 
43,561

Deferred income taxes
3,313

 
3,529

Prepaid and refundable income taxes
326

 
1,015

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
9,459

 
7,172

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
258,654

 
240,433

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 

 
 

Land
3,135

 
3,135

Buildings and building improvements
43,159

 
44,051

Machinery and equipment
250,961

 
230,265

 
297,255

 
277,451

Less allowances for depreciation
198,897

 
200,299

 
98,358

 
77,152

OTHER ASSETS
 

 
 

Goodwill
12,907

 
16,422

Other intangibles, less accumulated amortization
16,466

 
16,620

Cash surrender value of life insurance
9,351

 
8,802

Deferred income taxes
14,767

 
15,072

Pre-production costs
11,511

 
16,215

Other
12,925

 
12,932

 
77,927

 
86,063

TOTAL ASSETS
$
434,939

 
$
403,648

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
61,541

 
$
54,775

Salaries, wages and payroll taxes
9,673

 
9,554

Other accrued expenses
14,827

 
14,964

Deferred income taxes
628

 
9,131

Income tax payable
3,802

 
3,453

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
90,471

 
91,877

LONG-TERM DEBT
43,500

 
48,000

OTHER LIABILITIES
3,294

 
3,413

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
8,090

 
4,801

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 
333

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,455,853 and 38,375,678 shares issued as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively
19,228

 
19,188

Additional paid-in capital
81,472

 
77,652

Accumulated other comprehensive income
15,680

 
15,573

Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012
(11,377
)
 
(11,377
)
Retained earnings
184,368

 
154,008

TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
289,371

 
255,044

Noncontrolling interest
213

 
180

TOTAL EQUITY
289,584

 
255,224

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
434,939

 
$
403,648

 See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
$
519,836

 
$
465,095

 
$
428,215

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
428,200

 
381,981

 
339,042

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
91,636

 
83,114

 
89,173

 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
4,326

 

 

Income from settlement
(20,000
)
 

 

Selling and administrative expenses
66,338

 
69,946

 
70,827

Amortization of intangibles
1,794

 
1,811

 
2,402

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
39,178

 
11,357

 
15,944

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest (income)/expense, net
(30
)
 
(288
)
 
198

Other expense
1,257

 
272

 
1,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
37,951

 
11,373

 
14,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense/(benefit)
(2,493
)
 
3,236

 
(4,076
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
40,444

 
8,137

 
18,538

Gain on sale of discontinued operation, net of tax ($4,148 less taxes of $3,493)

 

 
655

Net income
40,444

 
8,137

 
19,193

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(294
)
 
(246
)
 
(307
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
$
40,738

 
$
8,383

 
$
19,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
$
1.09

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.51

Discontinued operations

 

 
0.02

Basic income per share
$
1.09

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.53

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Continuing operations
$
1.08

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.50

Discontinued operations

 

 
0.02

Diluted income per share
$
1.08

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock
$
0.28

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.28

 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4



METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
40,444

 
$
8,137

 
$
19,193

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
101

 
(7,589
)
 
11,244

     Less: Reclassification of foreign currency translation to net income

 

 
4,057

Total comprehensive income
40,545

 
548

 
26,380

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(300
)
 
(266
)
 
(25
)
Comprehensive income attributable to Methode shareholders
$
40,845

 
$
814

 
$
26,405



See notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-5


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 - (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data) 
 
Common
Stock
Shares
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Non-Controlling Interest
 
Total Shareholders Equity
Balance at May 1, 2010
38,149,946

 
$
19,075

 
$
65,991

 
$
16,247

 
$
(11,377
)
 
$
146,818

 
$
3,188

 
$
239,942

Earned portion of restricted stock awards
47,600

 
24

 
(46
)
 

 

 

 

 
(22
)
Stock award and stock option amortization expense

 

 
3,006

 

 

 

 

 
3,006

Vested stock awards withheld for payroll taxes
(5,378
)
 
(3
)
 
3

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of options
150,075

 
75

 
953

 

 

 

 

 
1,028

Treasury shares issued for minority shares purchased
(30,000
)
 
(15
)
 
15

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of non-controlling interest - Hetronic Swiss

 

 

 

 

 

 
29

 
29

Sale of Optokon

 

 

 
(4,057
)
 

 

 
(3,256
)
 
(7,313
)
Purchase of Eetrex

 

 
2,191

 

 

 

 
2,175

 
4,366

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 
10,962

 

 

 
282

 
11,244

Net income/(loss) for year

 

 

 

 

 
19,500

 
(307
)
 
19,193

Cash dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(10,329
)
 

 
(10,329
)
Balance at April 30, 2011
38,312,243

 
$
19,156

 
$
72,113

 
$
23,152

 
$
(11,377
)
 
$
155,989

 
$
2,111

 
$
261,144

Earned portion of restricted stock awards
32,860

 
18

 
(28
)
 

 

 

 

 
(10
)
Stock award and stock option amortization expense

 

 
3,976

 

 

 

 

 
3,976

Vested stock awards withheld for payroll taxes
(1,400
)
 
(2
)
 
2

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of options
31,975

 
16

 
247

 

 

 

 

 
263

Purchase of Eetrex

 

 
1,342

 

 

 

 
(1,342
)
 

Transfer non-controlling interest in Eetrex to mezzanine equity

 

 

 

 

 

 
(615
)
 
(615
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 
(7,579
)
 

 

 
(10
)
 
(7,589
)
Net income for year

 

 

 

 

 
8,383

 
36

 
8,419

Cash dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(10,364
)
 

 
(10,364
)
Balance at April 28, 2012
38,375,678

 
$
19,188

 
$
77,652

 
$
15,573

 
$
(11,377
)
 
$
154,008

 
$
180

 
$
255,224

Earned portion of restricted stock awards
27,000

 
14

 
(14
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock award and stock option amortization expense

 

 
3,252

 

 

 

 

 
3,252

Exercise of options
53,175

 
26

 
582

 

 

 

 

 
608

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

 
107

 

 

 
(6
)
 
101

Net income for year

 

 

 

 

 
40,738

 
39

 
40,777

Cash dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(10,378
)
 

 
(10,378
)
Balance at April 27, 2013
38,455,853

 
$
19,228

 
$
81,472

 
$
15,680

 
$
(11,377
)
 
$
184,368

 
$
213

 
$
289,584


See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-6


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
 
April 30, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
40,444

 
$
8,137

 
$
19,193

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Loss on sale of fixed assets

 
118

 
73

Gain on the sale of discontinued business

 

 
(4,148
)
Impairment of goodwill
4,326

 

 

Gain on investment in business

 

 
(165
)
Gain on bargain purchase

 
(255
)
 

Provision for depreciation
17,012

 
14,348

 
13,354

Amortization of intangible assets
1,794

 
1,811

 
2,402

Impairment of tangible assets

 

 
1,299

Stock-based compensation
3,252

 
3,976

 
3,006

Provision for bad debt
106

 
495

 
249

Deferred income taxes
(7,206
)
 
(1,939
)
 
(5,207
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(21,198
)
 
(13,525
)
 
(17,846
)
Inventories
(16,138
)
 
(3,278
)
 
(8,710
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
9,175

 
(10,255
)
 
13,841

Accounts payable and other expenses
1,678

 
25,192

 
(301
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
33,245

 
24,825

 
17,040

 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(38,555
)
 
(25,744
)
 
(15,223
)
Acquisition of businesses
(1,434
)
 
(6,353
)
 
(2,470
)
Proceeds from life insurance policies

 

 
1,515

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(39,989
)
 
(32,097
)
 
(16,178
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
608

 
263

 
1,028

Cash dividends
(10,378
)
 
(10,364
)
 
(10,329
)
Proceeds from borrowings
37,000

 
52,000

 

Repayment of borrowings
(41,500
)
 
(4,000
)
 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY/ (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(14,270
)
 
37,899

 
(9,301
)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
28

 
(1,275
)
 
2,063

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(20,986
)
 
29,352

 
(6,376
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
86,797

 
57,445

 
63,821

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$
65,811

 
$
86,797

 
$
57,445

 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


1.  Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company”).  As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
Financial Reporting Periods.  We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30.  Fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 all represent fifty-two weeks of results.
 
Cash Equivalents.  All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are carried at their fair value and classified in the consolidated balance sheets as cash equivalents.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we record an allowance for uncollectible receivables based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of net receivables. A change to the allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectability of a specific account.  We do not require collateral for our accounts receivable balances.  Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.
 
Inventories.  Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment.  Properties are stated on the basis of cost.  We amortize such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes.  Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes. We wrote off $39,082 of fully-depreciated gross property, plant and equipment during fiscal 2012.
 
Income Taxes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
 
Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured.  Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment.  Revenue from cabling infrastructure systems installations is recognized when the installation is completed, tested and accepted by the customer. We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products.  We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned.  Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011. 
 
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs.  Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.
 
Foreign Currency Translation.  The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are in their local currencies.  The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates.  Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity.  Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in other, net.  In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we had foreign exchange losses of $1,101, $991 and $2,280, respectively.
 
Long-Lived Assets.  We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting

F-8


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

from the use of the asset group is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.

Goodwill and Intangibles.  Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB"), Accounting Standards Codification, ("ASC"), Topic 350 - Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis by applying a fair-value-based test. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units, as defined under FASB ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated using a two-step impairment test at the reporting unit level. The first step compares the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by its discounted cash flows. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we complete the second step to determine the amount of goodwill impairment loss that we should record. In the second step, we determine an implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets). The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill.
In performing our annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units based on projected future operating results and cash flows, market assumptions and comparative market multiple methods. Determining fair value requires significant estimates and assumptions based on an evaluation of a number of factors, such as marketplace participants, relative market share, future expansion or contraction expectations, amount and timing of future cash flows and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Projected future operating results and cash flows used for valuation purposes may reflect considerable improvements relative to historical periods with respect to, among other things, revenue growth and operating margins. Although we believe our projected future operating results  and cash flows and related estimates regarding fair values are based on reasonable assumptions, historically projected operating results and cash flows have not always been achieved. The failure of one of our reporting units to achieve projected operating results and cash flows in the near term or long term may reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value and result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. Significant management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and our cost of capital, are based on the best available market information and are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions.
At the end of fiscal 2013, we performed "step one" of the goodwill test on four reporting units. Based on this test, we determined that the fair value for three of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 16% to 75%, and one reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the net assets. We completed "step two" of the goodwill test for our Eetrex reporting unit for which the fair value was less than the carrying value and concluded that goodwill was impaired, and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,326 in our Power Products segment related to these assets.
Research and Development Costs.  Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred.  Research and development costs for the fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 amounted to $23,727, $20,360 and $19,506, respectively.
 
Stock-Based Compensation.  See Note 4, Shareholders’ Equity for a description of our stock-based compensation plans.
 
Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments.  The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 

F-9


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASC 2013-01, "Scope Clarification of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities", to provide additional guidance on the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The additional guidance provided that only recognized derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions would be subject to disclosure requirements. This amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and retrospective application is required. This guidance concerns disclosure only and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
    
In September 2011, the FASB, issued ASU, 2011-08, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other". The objective of this standard is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. This standard permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, which is our fiscal year 2013, that began on April 29, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
    
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, "Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" which clarifies preexisting guidance regarding the treatment of cumulative translation adjustments when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, which is our fiscal year 2014 which began April 28, 2013; however, early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). The update requires disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present either on the face of the consolidated statements of income or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts not reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective prospectively for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2014, which began April 28, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.    

2Acquisitions and Divestitures
 
Fiscal 2013 Acquisitions

In September 2012, we acquired certain assets of Hetronic South Europe S.R.L. for $1,434 in cash, as well as the forgiveness of debt owed to the Company of $1,296, for total consideration of $2,730. We operate this business under the name Hetronic Italy. The business, located in Milan, Italy, is a market leader in industrial safety radio remote controls, primarily serving the Italian market. The accounts and transactions of Hetronic Italy have been included in the Hetronic Group in the Interconnect segment in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition.

Based on a third-party valuation report, management determined that the tangible net assets acquired had a fair value of $266. The fair values assigned to intangible assets acquired were $1,550 for customer relationships and $120 for non-compete agreements, resulting in $794 of goodwill. The customer relationships and non-compete agreements are being amortized over 12 and 5 years, respectively.


F-10


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Fiscal 2012 Acquisitions

At the beginning of fiscal 2012, we had an investment in Eetrex Incorporated of $2,720, representing ownership of 70% of their stock. See description below under "Fiscal 2011 Acquisitions". In July and October 2011, we paid an additional $600 and $480, respectively, and acquired an additional 20% of their stock, for a total ownership interest of 90%. Each of the other stockholders of Eetrex has the right to exercise put options, requiring us to purchase their remaining shares after the end of fiscal 2014 or 2016, and we will have an option to purchase any remaining shares after the end of fiscal 2016. The purchase price will be based on a percentage of net sales recorded in either fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2016 of between 2.0% and 2.5%. In accordance with ASC 480, "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity," our non-controlling interest previously reported in equity was reclassified to “mezzanine equity” as the ability to exercise the remaining 10% put option became outside of our control. To the extent that the calculated redemption amount exceeds the carrying value of noncontrolling interest, an adjustment is made to increase the carrying value to the calculated redemption amount with a corresponding increase to the income (or decrease to the loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, such an adjustment was made in the amount of $106. The accounts and transactions of Eetrex have been included in the Power Products segment in the consolidated financial statements since March 2011, the date which control was obtained.
During fiscal 2012, we transferred $615 to mezzanine equity. In addition, a net loss of $282 attributable to the noncontrolling interest was recorded, resulting in a mezzanine equity balance of $333 at April 28, 2012. In fiscal 2013, we recorded a net loss of $333 attributable to the noncontrolling interest, resulting in a mezzanine equity balance of zero as of April 27, 2013.
In September 2011, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Nypro Monterrey, S. de R.L. (Nypro Monterrey) from Nypro Inc. for $6,353. We operate this injection molding and painting business under the name of Advanced Molding and Decoration, S.A. de C.V. (AMD), and it has become a part of our existing Monterrey manufacturing campus. AMD operates a state-of-the-art facility, which provides us with high-quality injection molding, painting and decorating capabilities. There were 228 employees from Nypro Monterrey were transfered to us as part of the acquisition.

Based on a third-party valuation report, management determined that the business had a fair value of $6,608, consisting primarily of fixed assets and inventory. We recorded a gain of $255 in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 related to the transaction, in other income, which represents the amount paid for the assets, compared to the fair market value at the time of acquisition due to the distressed nature of the business. The accounts and transactions of AMD have been included in the Automotive segment in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition. The proforma impact of this acquisition as if it were made at the beginning of the earliest period presented would not have had a material impact on the historical reported results of the Company.

Fiscal 2011 Acquisitions
 
In May 2010, we paid $1,000 for an 15% equity investment in Eetrex to facilitate our entry into the electric vehicle market. In March 2011, we paid an additional $1,070, for a total investment of $2,070, to acquire an additional 36% of the stock of Eetrex. In April 2011, we paid an additional $650 and acquired an additional 19% of their stock, for a total 70% ownership. In March 2011, we recognized a gain of $165 on our initial investment of $1,000, at the date control was obtained.
 
Based on a third-party valuation report, management determined that 100% of the net assets of Eetrex had a fair value of $6,600 as of the date that control was obtained in March 2011.  Additionally in March 2011, we also recorded $3,234 of non-controlling interest related to the transaction. The fair values assigned to intangible assets acquired were $2,000 for the technology valuation, and tangible net assets of $274, resulting in $4,326 of goodwill.  The technology valuation will be amortized over 10 years. We do not expect any of the goodwill of $4,326 to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Fiscal 2011 Divestitures

In March 2011, we sold our 75% ownership interest in Optokon, a manufacturer of optical cabling and test equipment, located in the Czech Republic, to the minority shareholder for $9,950. The net assets of our 75% ownership interest had a book value of $9,859. We recorded a gain of $4,148 related to sale of the net assets, primarily attributable to the cumulative

F-11


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

translation gains since the date of the initial investment. We recorded income taxes related to the sale of $3,493, resulting in a gain net of taxes of $655. We received $5,896 in cash as well as a collateralized note for $4,054. The note is a 15-year, interest bearing note.

We concluded the Optokon results of operations for fiscal 2011 were not material to the consolidated or segment level financial statements for those periods presented to be separately reported as a discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 205-20, "Presentation of Financial Statements".

3.  Intangible Assets and Goodwill 
Prior to our annual goodwill impairment testing at the end of fiscal 2013, we had goodwill of $11,957 for two reporting units in the Interconnect segment and goodwill of $5,276 for two reporting units in the Power Products segment, for a total of $17,233. We performed "step one" of the goodwill test on the four reporting units. Based on this test, we determined that the fair value for three of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 16% to 75%, and one reporting unit was less than the carrying value of the net assets. We completed "step two" of the goodwill test for our Eetrex reporting unit which had a fair value less than the carrying value and concluded that goodwill was impaired, and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,326 in our Power Products segment related to these assets. The assumptions used in the valuation of these reporting units were made using management's most recent projections which are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. We continue to monitor the operating results and cash flows of our reporting units on a quarterly basis for signs of possible declines in estimated fair value and goodwill impairment.

The fair value of our trademarks are estimated and compared to the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our annual operating budgets; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademarks; and a discount rate which are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. An impairment loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. Based on results of our impairment test performed on one reporting unit in the Interconnect segment as of April 27, 2013, no impairment was determined to exist. The fair values of the trademarks tested exceeded their carrying value by approximately 45%.
  
Goodwill increased $794 in fiscal 2013 related to the purchase of the Hetronic Italy business. See Note 2 for more information.

Goodwill increased $4,326 in fiscal 2011 related to the purchase a controlling interest in Eetrex. See Note 2 for more information. As noted above, the goodwill was subsequently impaired and written-off in fiscal 2013.
 
The following table shows the roll-forward of goodwill in the financial statements resulting from our acquisition activities for fiscal 2011 and 2013. There was no goodwill activity during fiscal 2012.
 
 
Interconnect
 
Power
Products
 
Total
Balance as of May 1, 2010
$
11,146

 
$
950

 
$
12,096

 
 
 
 
 
 
Attibutable to 2011 acquisitions

 
4,326

 
4,326

Balance as of April 30, 2011
$
11,146

 
$
5,276

 
$
16,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
No activity

 

 

Balance as of April 28, 2012
$
11,146

 
$
5,276

 
$
16,422

 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment

 
(4,326
)
 
(4,326
)
Attibutable to 2013 acquisitions
794

 

 
794

Foreign currency translation
17

 

 
17

Balance as of April 27, 2013
$
11,957

 
$
950

 
$
12,907

 

F-12


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Intangible Assets
 
The following tables present details of our remaining identifiable intangible assets:
 
 
As of April 27, 2013
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Wtd. Avg. Remaining
Amortization
Periods (Years)
Customer relationships and agreements
$
16,579

 
$
14,213

 
$
2,366

 
10.9
Trade names, patents and technology licenses
25,774

 
11,779

 
13,995

 
10.4
Covenants not to compete
119

 
14

 
105

 
4.4
Total
$
42,472

 
$
26,006

 
$
16,466

 
 
 
 
As of April 28, 2012
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Wtd. Avg. Remaining
Amortization
Periods (Years)
Customer relationships and agreements
$
14,995

 
$
13,720

 
$
1,275

 
11.7

Trade names, patents and technology licenses
25,774

 
10,429

 
15,345

 
11.8

Covenants not to compete
480

 
480

 

 

Total
$
41,249

 
$
24,629

 
$
16,620

 
 

 
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
 
2014

$1,764
2015

1,719

2016

1,537

2017

1,473

2018

1,377

 
As of April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, the trade names, patents and technology licenses include $1,800 of trade names that are not subject to amortization.
 
4.  Shareholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock.  We have 50,000 authorized shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, of which none were outstanding during any of the periods presented.
 
Common Stock.   The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.50 per share, authorized, issued and outstanding and in treasury, was as follows:
 
 
April 27, 2013
 
April 28, 2012
Authorized
100,000,000

 
100,000,000

Issued and outstanding
38,455,853

 
38,375,678

In treasury
1,342,188

 
1,342,188

 

F-13


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Dividends
 
We paid dividends totaling $10,378, $10,364 and $10,329 during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We intend to retain the remainder of our earnings not used for dividend payments to provide funds for the operation and expansion of our business. 
 
2010 Stock Plan

The 2010 Stock Plan permits a total of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock to be awarded to participants in the form of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and performance share units. The 2010 Stock Plan is designed to allow for "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). As such, qualified awards payable pursuant to the 2010 Stock Plan should be deductible for federal income tax purposes under most circumstances. As of April 27, 2013, there were 596,000 shares still available for award under the 2010 Stock Plan.

Stock Options Awarded Under the 2010 Stock Plan

In fiscal 2013, our Compensation Committee awarded options to purchase 120,000 shares of our common stock to our executive officers. In each of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, the Compensation Committee approved the award of options to purchase 128,000 shares of our common stock to our executive officers.  The stock options have a ten-year term and will vest 33.3% each year over a three-year period.  The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2010 Stock Plan for fiscal 2013 and 2012:
 
 
Summary of Option Activity
 
 
Shares
 
Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Outstanding at April 30, 2011
 
128,000

 
$
9.24

Awarded
 
128,000

 
10.70

Exercised
 

 

Cancelled
 
(16,000
)
 
9.97

Outstanding at April 28, 2012
 
240,000

 
$
9.97

Awarded
 
120,000

 
$
8.64

Exercised
 

 

Cancelled
 

 

Outstanding at April 27, 2013
 
360,000

 
$
9.53

 
Options Outstanding
at April 27, 2013
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Avg. Remaining Life (Years)
120,000

 
$
9.24

 
7.6
120,000

 
$
10.70

 
8.3
120,000

 
$
8.64

 
9.3
360,000

 
$
9.53

 
 
Options Exercisable
at April 27, 2013
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Avg. Remaining Life (Years)
80,000

 
$
9.24

 
7.6
40,000

 
$
10.70

 
8.3
120,000

 
$
9.73

 
 

F-14


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $1,628 at April 27, 2013. The intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2013 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all options holders exercised their options on April 27, 2013.
 
We estimated the fair value of these stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
2010 Stock Plan
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
 
Awards
 
Awards
 
Awards
Average expected volatility
66.15
%
 
52.76
%
 
85.83
%
Average risk-free interest rate
0.39
%
 
0.63
%
 
0.60
%
Dividend yield
2.94
%
 
2.66
%
 
3.49
%
Expected life of options (in years)
7.18

 
7.03

 
7.03

Weighted-average grant-date fair value
$
4.13

 
$
4.27

 
$
5.19


Expected volatility was based on the monthly changes in our historical common stock prices over the expected life of the award.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant corresponding to the expected life of the options.  Our dividend yield is based on the average dividend yield for the previous two years from the date of grant.  The expected life of options is based on historical stock option exercise patterns and the terms of the options.
    
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units Awarded Under the 2010 Stock Plan

During fiscal 2012, our Compensation Committee awarded 100,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based restricted stock awards ("RSAs") to certain non-executive members of management. The performance measure is the Company's internal enterprise value at the end of fiscal 2015. The internal enterprise value shall equal the product of (i) fiscal 2015 EBITDA and (ii) 7.5 (the historic multiple of EBITDA), subject to an adjustment for cash, short-term investments, debt, preferred stock, certain equity issuances, certain acquisitions and the changes in the dividend rate. The restricted stock awards will vest, i.e., the RSAs will lapse, one-third as of the end of fiscal 2015, one-third as of the end of fiscal 2016 and the final one-third as of the end of fiscal 2017, based on the enterprise value as of the end of fiscal 2015, to the extent the performance goals have been achieved and provided the employee remains employed. The remaining shares will be forfeited.    

During fiscal 2011, the Compensation Committee awarded 640,000 shares of RSAs to certain executive officers. The performance measure will be the Company's internal enterprise value at the end of fiscal 2015. The internal enterprise value shall equal the product of (i) fiscal 2015 EBITDA and (ii) 7.5 (the historic multiple of EBITDA), subject to an adjustment for cash, short-term investments, debt, preferred stock, certain equity issuances, certain acquisitions and the changes in the dividend rate. The restricted stock awards will vest, i.e., the restrictions will lapse, at the end of fiscal 2015 to the extent the performance goals have been achieved. The remaining shares will be forfeited.

During fiscal 2011, our Compensation Committee awarded 320,000 shares of common stock subject to time-based restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain executive officers. The restricted stock units will vest 20% each year on the last day of our fiscal year and be 100% vested on the last day of fiscal 2015, provided the executive remains employed. The shares of common stock underlying the vested RSUs will not be delivered to the employee until after the employee terminates employment from the Company or upon change of control.

Below are key elements related to the stock options, performance-based restricted stock awards and time-based restricted stock units issued in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 under the 2010 Stock Plan:

Bonus in Lieu of Dividends - For the performance-based restricted stock awards, bonuses in lieu of dividends will not be paid until the restrictions lapse (i.e., not in first 5 years). At such time as the restrictions lapse, the executive will be paid a “dividend catch-up” bonus calculated based on the dividends declared during the restricted period and the number of shares earned. For the time-based restricted stock units, once the restricted stock units vest and until the shares are delivered, the

F-15


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

executive will be paid a quarterly bonus in lieu of dividends calculated based on declared dividends and the total number of vested restricted stock units held.
    
Tandem Cash Award - The executives were also granted RSA tandem cash awards. These cash incentive awards will become payable if performance under the RSAs described above exceeds target performance. If the performance measure target for the RSAs is exceeded, the amount payable under the RSA tandem cash awards will equal the product of the closing price of our common stock as of May 1, 2015 and the number of RSAs awarded to such executive officers not to exceed 40% of the awarded RSAs. In fiscal 2013, we recorded a compensation expense of $2,129 related to the tandem cash award. We had not previously recorded any expense for the tandem cash awards.  The applicable accounting guidance required the Company to record this expense in light of management's current expectations for fiscal 2015 performance.  The expense recorded assumes that the Company will achieve the maximum level of performance under these awards.

Change of Control (Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards) - In the event of a change of control, employee shall vest in the percentage of restricted shares that, extrapolated from the Company's external enterprise value as of the date of the change of control, would have vested on the vesting date. External enterprise value equals the fair market value per share of the Company's common stock as determined by the bona fide offer for the Company's common stock causing the change of control.

Change of Control (Time-based Restricted Stock Units) - In the event of a change in control prior to the end of the 5-year period, the vesting accelerates and the restrictions on any unvested shares will lapse.

Change of Control (Stock Options) - In the event of a change in control, the vesting of all outstanding option awards will be accelerated.

The following table summarizes the RSA and RSU activity for fiscal 2013 and 2012 under the 2010 Stock Plan:
 
RSA Shares
 
RSU Shares
Unvested and unissued at April 30, 2011
640,000

 
256,000

Awarded
100,000

 

Vested

 
(60,000
)
Forfeited and Cancelled
(40,000
)
 
(16,000
)
Unvested and unissued at April 28, 2012
700,000

 
180,000

Awarded

 

Vested

 
(60,000
)
Forfeited and Cancelled

 

Unvested and unissued at April 27, 2013
700,000

 
120,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Value
 
Probable Unearned Compensation Expense at April 27, 2013
 
Target Unearned Compensation Expense at April 27, 2013
Grant Fiscal Year
 
Number of Shares Granted, less Forfeitures
 
Vesting Period
 
 
 
2011
 
600,000

 
5-year RSA cliff, performance based
 
$
9.70

 
$
2,602

 
$
2,602

2011
 
300,000

 
5-year RSU, equal annual installments
 
9.70

 
427

 
N/A

2012
 
100,000

 
One-third per year, beginning in fiscal 2015, performance based
 
8.10

 
482

 
482



F-16


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2007 Stock Plan
  
The 2007 Stock Plan permits a total of 1,250,000 shares of our common stock to be awarded to participants.  Shares issued under the Stock Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares, or treasury shares.  If any award terminates, expires, is canceled or forfeited as to any number of shares of common stock, new awards may be granted with respect to such shares.  The total number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to any participant in any calendar year shall not exceed 200,000 shares.  As of April 27, 2013, there were 177,821 shares still available for award under the 2007 Stock Plan.

Upon adoption of the 2010 plan, the Board of Directors has determined that the 2007 Stock Plan will only be used for equity awards to our independent directors and non-executive employees.

Stock Options Awarded Under the 2007 Stock Plan
 
In fiscal 2013, our Compensation Committee awarded options to purchase 42,500 shares of our common stock to certain non-executive members of the management team that vest one-third per year on each anniversary of the date of the grant. The stock options awarded under the 2007 Stock Plan have a ten-year term. The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

In fiscal 2012, our Compensation Committee awarded options to purchase 52,500 shares of our common stock to certain non-executive members of the management team that vest one-third per year on each anniversary of the date of the grant. The stock options awarded under the 2007 Stock Plan have a ten-year term. The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

In fiscal 2011, the Compensation Committee approved the award of options to purchase 125,000 shares of our common stock to certain non-executive members of the management team that vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options awarded under the 2007 Stock Plan have a ten-year term.

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2007 Stock Plan as of April 27, 2013:
 
 
Summary of Option Activity
 
Shares
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise Price
Outstanding at May 1, 2010
595,500

 
$
4.77

 
 
 
 
Awarded
125,000

 
10.55

Exercised

 

Cancelled

 

Outstanding at April 30, 2011
720,500

 
$
5.77

 
 
 
 
Awarded
52,500

 
8.10

Exercised
(10,000
)
 
6.46

Cancelled
(25,000
)
 
9.73

Outstanding at April 28, 2012
738,000

 
$
5.79

 
 
 
 
Awarded
42,500

 
8.64

Exercised
(2,500
)
 
8.10

Cancelled

 

Outstanding at April 27, 2013
778,000

 
$
5.94

                        

F-17


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Options Outstanding
at April 27, 2013
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Avg.
Remaining
Life (Years)
285,000

 
$
2.72

 
6.0
260,000

 
6.46

 
6.3
35,500

 
8.13

 
6.7
105,000

 
10.55

 
7.3
50,000

 
8.10

 
8.5
42,500

 
8.64

 
9.3
778,000

 
$
5.94

 
 
 
Options Exercisable
at April 27, 2013 
Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Avg.
Remaining
Life (Years)
285,000

 
$
2.72

 
6.0
260,000

 
6.46

 
6.3
35,500

 
8.13

 
6.7
105,000

 
10.55

 
7.3
15,000

 
8.10

 
8.5
700,500

 
$
5.67

 
 

We estimated the fair value of these stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
Fiscal 2013
Awards
 
Fiscal 2012
Awards
 
Fiscal 2011
Awards
Average expected volatility
66.15
%
 
63.55
%
 
85.59
%
Average risk-free interest rate
0.39
%
 
0.35
%
 
1.09
%
Dividend yield
2.94
%
 
2.84
%
 
3.63
%
Expected life of options
7.18 years

 
7.03 years

 
7.03 years

Weighted-average grant-date fair value
$
4.13

 
$
3.75

 
$
5.88

 
The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $6,308 at April 27, 2013.

Restricted Stock Awards Awarded Under the 2007 Stock Plan
 
In April 2007, 225,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based RSAs granted to our CEO in fiscal 2006 and 2007 were converted to RSUs.  The RSUs were subject to the same vesting schedule and other major provisions of the RSAs they replaced, except the shares for stock underlying the RSUs will not be issued and delivered until the earlier of: (1) thirty days after the CEO’s date of termination of employment with the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates; or (2) the last day of our fiscal year in which the payment of common stock in satisfaction of the RSUs becomes deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of the Code.  The RSUs are not entitled to voting rights or dividends, however a bonus in lieu of dividends is paid.   The RSU’s were fully vested as of April 27, 2013.  As of April 27, 2013, no shares have been delivered in connection with the RSUs.
 

F-18


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

At the beginning of fiscal 2013, there were no RSAs outstanding under the 2007 Stock Plan. We issued 27,000, 28,860 and 24,000 restricted shares to our independent directors, in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively, all of which vested immediately upon grant.
 
The following table summarizes the RSA activity under the 2007 Stock Plan: 
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
Unvested at beginning of fiscal year

 

 
25,350

Awarded
27,000

 
28,860

 
24,000

Vested
(27,000
)
 
(28,860
)
 
(47,600
)
Forfeited

 

 
(1,750
)
Unvested at end of period

 

 

 
2000 and 2004 Stock Plans

Stock Options Outstanding Under the 2000 and 2004 Stock Plans
 
Options to purchase 72,585 shares of our common stock were granted in previous years under the 2000 and 2004 Stock Plans and are outstanding and exercisable as of April 27, 2013.  Options to purchase 128,105 and 96,934 shares of our common stock expired during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2011, respectively.

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2000 and 2004 Stock Plans for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
 
Options Outstanding
 
Exercisable Options
 
Shares
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
 
Shares
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
May 1, 2010
529,776

 
$
10.10

 
529,776

 
$
10.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 

 
 

Exercised
(150,075
)
 
6.85

 
 

 
 

Cancelled
(96,934
)
 
13.03

 
 

 
 

April 30, 2011
282,767

 
$
10.82

 
282,767

 
$
10.82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 

 
 

Exercised
(21,975
)
 
9.02

 
 

 
 

Cancelled
(9,427
)
 
11.32

 
 

 
 

April 28, 2012
251,365

 
10.96

 
251,365

 
10.96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(50,675
)
 
11.44

 
 
 
 
Cancelled
(128,105
)
 
10.50

 
 
 
 
April 27, 2013
72,585

 
$
11.44

 
72,585

 
$
11.44

 
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
at April 27, 2013 
Shares
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
 
Avg.
Remaining
Life (Years)
72,585

 
11.44

 
0.1

F-19


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Stock-based Compensation

We recognize pre-tax compensation expense for stock options, RSA's and RSU's under our 2010, 2007, 2004 and 2000 stock plans in the selling and administrative section of our consolidated statement of operations. Our awards subject to graded vesting are recognized using the accelerated recognition method. As of April 27, 2013, we had $4,031 of unrecognized equity-based compensation cost that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.

The table below summarizes the expense related to the equity awards for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 
Compensation Expense
 
Fiscal 2013
 
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
2010 Stock Plan:
 
 
 
 
 
RSAs
$
1,486

 
$
1,415

 
$
642

RSUs
532

 
924

 
1,033

Stock options
548

 
553

 
200

Total 2010 Stock Plan
$
2,566

 
$
2,892

 
$
1,875

 
 
 
 
 
 
2007 Stock Plan:
 
 
 
 
 
RSAs
$
233

 
$
309

 
$
343

Stock options
453

 
775

 
788

Total 2007 Stock Plan
$
686

 
$
1,084

 
$
1,131

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Compensation Expense
$
3,252

 
$
3,976

 
$
3,006

 
5.  Employee 401(k) Savings Plan
 
We have an Employee 401(k) Savings Plan covering substantially all U.S. employees to which we make contributions equal to 3% of eligible compensation.  Our contributions to the Employee 401(k) Savings Plan were $1,341, $1,326 and $1,261 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.


F-20


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

6.  Income Taxes
 
Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 
 

Accelerated tax depreciation
$
4,161

 
$
2,664

Unremitted earnings
751

 
9,539

Deferred income
1,130

 
1,212

 
6,042

 
13,415

Deferred tax assets:
 

 
 

Deferred compensation and stock award amortization
6,096

 
4,472

Inventory valuation differences
1,877

 
1,488

Property valuation differences
790

 
5,282

Accelerated book amortization
12,714

 
15,112

Environmental reserves
1,132

 
1,152

Bad debt reserves
243

 
591

Vacation accruals
986

 
963

Restructuring accruals

 

Foreign investment tax credit
21,469

 
24,303

Net operating loss carryovers
11,802

 
24,520

Foreign tax credits
7,661

 
1,393

Other accruals
1,160

 
888

 
65,930

 
80,164

Less valuation allowance
42,436

 
57,279

Total deferred tax assets
23,494

 
22,885

Net deferred tax assets
$
17,452

 
$
9,470

Balance sheet classification:
 

 
 

Current asset
$
3,313

 
$
3,529

Non-current asset
14,767

 
15,072

Current liability
(628
)
 
(9,131
)
 
$
17,452

 
$
9,470

 
In addition to the deferred tax assets listed in the table above, the Company had an unrecorded tax benefit of $393 at April 27, 2013, primarily attributable to the difference between the amount of the financial statement expense and the allowable tax deduction for the Company's common stock issued under the Company's stock compensation plans. Although not recognized for financial reporting purposes, this unrecognized tax benefit is available to reduce future income and is incorporated into our federal and state net operating loss carry forwards, which are discussed below.

At April 27, 2013, we had valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets of $42,436.  In accordance with ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes”, a valuation allowance is required to be recorded when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In fiscal 2010, we utilized all ability to carry-back federal U.S. losses to prior years.  Future realization depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry forward period available under the tax law.  Sources of future taxable income include future reversals of taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable differences, taxable income in carry back years and tax planning strategies.  These sources of positive evidence of realizability must be weighed against negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years.
 
In forming a judgment about the future realization of our deferred tax assets, we considered both the positive and negative evidence of realizability and gave significant weight to the negative evidence from our recent cumulative loss.  We

F-21


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

will continue to assess this situation and make appropriate adjustments to the valuation allowance based on our evaluation of the positive and negative evidence existing at the time.  We are currently unable to forecast when there will be sufficient positive evidence for us to reverse the remainder of the valuation allowances that we have recorded.

The federal and state NOL carry forwards relate to the current and prior years’ NOLs, which may be used to reduce tax liabilities in future years.  If not realized, the federal tax benefits of $7,782 expire over a twenty year period.  If not realized, the state tax benefits of $4,020 expire over a twelve to twenty year period.
 
The foreign tax credit carry-forward relates to the current year, which may be used to reduce tax liabilities in future years. If not realized, the federal tax benefits of $7,661 expire over a ten-year period.

The tax laws of Malta provide for investment tax credits of 30% of certain qualified expenditures.  Unused credits of $21,469 as of April 27, 2013 can be carried forward indefinitely.  We have accumulated investment tax credits in excess of amounts more likely than not to be realized based upon projections of taxable income to be generated within a reasonable time period.  Valuation allowances of $7,226 as of April 27, 2013 have been provided for this excess.
    
Components of income/(loss) before income taxes are as follows:
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
Domestic source
$
(1,221
)
 
$
(32,418
)
 
$
(20,658
)
Foreign source
39,172

 
43,791

 
35,120

Income/(loss) before income tax
$
37,951

 
$
11,373

 
$
14,462



Income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following: 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
Current
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
$
7

 
$
36

 
$
(2,703
)
Foreign
4,597

 
5,672

 
4,179

State
109

 
(533
)
 
(345
)
Subtotal
4,713

 
5,175

 
1,131

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred
 
 
 
 
 
Federal and state

 
119

 
(3,198
)
Foreign
(7,206
)
 
(2,058
)
 
(2,009
)
Subtotal
(7,206
)
 
(1,939
)
 
(5,207
)
Total income tax/(benefit)
$
(2,493
)
 
$
3,236

 
$
(4,076
)
 

F-22


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

A reconciliation of the consolidated provisions for income taxes from continuing operations to amounts determined by applying the prevailing statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax earnings is as follows:
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
 
 
April 28,
2012
 
 
 
April 30,
2011
 
 
Income tax at statutory rate
$
13,283

 
35.0
 %
 
$
4,067

 
35.0
 %
 
$
5,169

 
35.0
 %
Effect of:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
98

 
0.3
 %
 
29

 
0.3
 %
 
84

 
0.6
 %
Foreign operations with lower statutory rates
(11,414
)
 
(30.1
)%
 
(10,955
)
 
(94.3
)%
 
(10,640
)
 
(72.1
)%
Foreign losses with no tax benefit
1,897

 
5.0
 %
 
845

 
7.3
 %
 
289

 
2.0
 %
Foreign investment tax credit (FTC)
(7,519
)
 
(19.8
)%
 
(791
)
 
(6.8
)%
 
(1,276
)
 
(8.6
)%
Change in tax contingency reserve
(20
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
(251
)
 
(2.2
)%
 
(2,716
)
 
(18.4
)%
Goodwill impairment
1,514

 
4.0
 %
 

 
 %
 

 
 %
Change in permanent reinvestment assertion

 
 %
 
9,613

 
82.7
 %
 

 
 %
Change in valuation allowance
(1,234
)
 
(3.3
)%
 
392

 
3.4
 %
 
5,613

 
38.0
 %
Other, net
902

 
2.4
 %
 
287

 
2.5
 %
 
(599
)
 
(4.1
)%
Income tax provision
$
(2,493
)
 
(6.6
)%
 
$
3,236

 
27.9
 %
 
$
(4,076
)
 
(27.6
)%
 
We paid income taxes of $5,878 in fiscal 2013, $4,028 in 2012 and $5,187 in fiscal 2011.  In fiscal 2011, we received a tax refund of $13,208 in the U.S.  No provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed net income of foreign operations, as we expect them to be indefinitely reinvested in our foreign operations.  If the undistributed net income of $149,146 were distributed as dividends, we would be subject to foreign tax withholdings and incur additional income tax expense of approximately $52,201, before available foreign tax credits.  It is not practical to estimate the amount of foreign tax withholdings or foreign tax credits that may be available. We record investment tax credits using the "flow through" method.

Income tax provision (benefit) allocated to continuing operations and discontinued operations were as follows for the years ended:
 
Fiscal Year
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Continuing operations
$
(2,493
)
 
$
3,236

 
$
(4,076
)
Discontinued operations

 

 
3,493

Total tax provision
$
(2,493
)
 
$
3,236

 
$
(583
)

 As of April 27, 2013, our gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $393.  After considering the federal impact on the state issues, $29 of this total would favorably affect the effective tax rate if resolved in our favor.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
 
Balance at April 28, 2012
$
66

Increases for positions related to the prior years
263

Increases for positions related to the current year
100

Decreases for positions related to the prior years

Lapsing of statutes of limitations
(36
)
Balance at April 27, 2013
$
393

 


F-23


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for fiscal year ended May 1, 2010.  Generally, the fiscal years ended May 1, 2010 and forward remain open under the state statute of limitations.
 
The continuing practice of the Company is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in the provision for income taxes.  We had $60 accrued for interest and no accrual for penalties at April 27, 2013.  We recorded an interest expense related to unrecognized tax provision of $1 in fiscal 2013 and no expense for penalties.
 
7.  Income Per Share Attributable to Methode Shareholders
 
Basic income per share attributable to Methode shareholders ("basic earnings per share") is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period.  Diluted income per share attributable to Methode shareholders ("diluted income per share") is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic income per share calculation for the effect of all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share: 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 28,
2011
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
$
40,738

 
$
8,383

 
$
18,845

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
655

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
$
40,738

 
$
8,383

 
$
19,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 
 
 
 

Denominator for basic earnings per share-weighted average shares
37,406,386

 
37,366,505

 
37,128,157

Dilutive potential common shares-employee and director stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units
480,240

 
225,475

 
710,511

Denominator for diluted earnings per share adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions
37,886,626

 
37,591,980

 
37,838,668

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
 

 
 
 
 

Continuing operations
$
1.09

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.51

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Basic income per share
$
1.09

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.53

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.08

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.50

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Diluted income per share
$
1.08

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.52

 
Options to purchase 297,585, 834,412 and 135,990 shares of common stock were outstanding at April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares; therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive. 

F-24


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

8.  Environmental Matters
 
We are not aware of any potential unasserted environmental claims that may be brought against us.  We are involved in environmental investigations and/or remediation at two of our plant sites no longer used for operations.  We use environmental consultants to assist us in evaluating our environmental liabilities in order to establish appropriate accruals in our financial statements.  Accruals are recorded when environmental remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.  A number of factors affect the cost of environmental remediation, including the determination of the extent of contamination, the length of time remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulations and the advancement of remediation technology.  Considering these factors, we have estimated (without discounting) the costs of remediation, which will be incurred over a period of several years.  Recovery from insurance or other third parties is not anticipated.  We are not yet able to determine when such remediation activity will be complete, but estimates for certain remediation efforts are projected through fiscal 2015.
 
At April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, we had accruals, primarily based upon independent engineering studies, for environmental matters of $2,829 and $2,881, respectively, of which $500 was classified in other accrued expenses and the remainder was included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.  We believe the provisions made for environmental matters are adequate to satisfy liabilities relating to such matters, however it is reasonably possible that costs could exceed accrued amounts if the selected methods of remediation do not reduce the contaminates at the sites to levels acceptable to federal and state regulatory agencies.
 
In fiscal 2013, we spent $351 on remediation cleanups and related studies compared with $1,501 in fiscal 2012 and $527 in fiscal 2011.  The costs associated with environmental matters as they relate to day-to-day activities were not material in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.

9.  Pending Litigation
 
Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending against us.  We, from time to time, are subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, breach of contracts, employment-related matters and environmental matters.  We consider insurance coverage and third party indemnification when determining required accruals for pending litigation and claims.  Although the outcome of potential legal actions and claims cannot be determined, it is the opinion of our management, based on the information available, that we have adequate reserves for these liabilities and that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20,000, half of which was paid in October 2012 and half of which was paid in January 2013. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, in the income from settlement section of our consolidated statement of operations.

10.  Material Customers
 
Sales to two customers in the Automotive segment, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, represented a significant portion of our business.  Net sales to these two customers approximated 19.9% and 16.7% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2013; two customers accounted for 18.7% and 18.5% of consolidated net sales, respectively in fiscal 2012 and two customers accounted for 17.9% and 17.6% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2011.
 
At April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, accounts receivable from customers in the automotive industry were approximately $40,744 and $31,850, respectively, which included $16,090 and $8,260, respectively, at our Maltese subsidiary.  Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 60 days.  Credit losses relating to all customers generally have been within management’s expectation. 

F-25


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


11.  Line of Credit
 
We are party to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions. On September 21, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which increased the maximum principal amount of the credit facility from $75,000 to $100,000, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $50,000, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The amendment also extended the maturity date from February 25, 2016 to September 21, 2017. The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. At April 27, 2013, the interest rate on the credit facility is 1.5% plus LIBOR. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries. At April 27, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During fiscal 2013, we had borrowings of $37,000 and payments of $42,481, which includes interest of $981 under this credit facility. As of April 27, 2013, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $43,500.  There was $56,500 available to borrow under the credit facility as of April 27, 2013, which does not include the option to increase the principal amount. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 27, 2013.
12.  Segment Information and Geographic Area Information
 
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies.  Our components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, appliance, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other transportation industries; and the consumer and industrial equipment markets.
 
ASC No. 280, “Segment Reporting” establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources.  The CODM, as defined by ASC No. 280, is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

We have multiple operating segments that are aggregated in four reportable segments. Those segments are Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other.
 
The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electromechanical devices and related products to automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers, ("OEMs"), either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include control switches for electrical power and signals, connectors for electrical devices, integrated control components, switches and sensors that monitor the operation or status of a component or system, and packaging of electrical components.
 
The Interconnect segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interconnect and interface solutions for the aerospace, appliance, commercial, computer, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, networking, storage, and telecommunications markets.  Solutions include conductive polymers, connectors, custom cable assemblies, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers, personal computer and express card packaging and terminators, solid-state field effect interface panels, and thick film inks.  Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems, and manufacturing active and passive optical components.
 
The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated bus devices, custom power-product assemblies, high-current low voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder coated bus bars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial and power conversion, inverters and battery systems, insulated gate bipolar transistor solutions, military, telecommunications, and transportation.
 
The Other segment includes a designer and manufacturer of magnetic torque sensing products, and independent laboratories that provide services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components.

F-26


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 above.  We allocate resources to and evaluate performance of segments based on operating income. Transfers between segments are recorded using internal transfer prices set by us.
 
The tables below presents information about our reportable segments:
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2013
 
Automotive
 
Inter-
Connect
 
Power
Products
 
Other
 
Eliminations/Corporate
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
311,028

 
$
142,619

 
$
52,839

 
$
16,787

 
$
(3,437
)
 
$
519,836

Transfers between segments
(893
)
 
(2,393
)
 
(169
)
 
(136
)
 
3,591

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers
$
310,135

 
$
140,226

 
$
52,670

 
$
16,651

 
$
154

 
$
519,836

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from operations
$
38,789

 
$
18,993

 
$
(2,111
)
 
$
3,502

 
$
(19,995
)
 
$
39,178

Interest income, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(30
)
Other expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,257

Income before income taxes

 


 


 


 


 
$
37,951

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
11,315

 
$
2,971

 
$
2,442

 
$
906

 
$
1,172

 
$
18,806

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifiable assets
$
276,911

 
$
138,044

 
$
30,752

 
$
5,157

 
$
(15,925
)
 
$
434,939


 
Fiscal Year Ended April 28, 2012
 
Automotive
 
Inter-
Connect
 
Power
Products
 
Other
 
Eliminations/Corporate
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
274,681

 
$
130,572

 
$
52,447

 
$
14,036

 
$
(6,641
)
 
$
465,095

Transfers between segments
(3,074
)
 
(2,864
)
 
(434
)
 
(105
)
 
6,477

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers
$
271,607

 
$
127,708

 
$
52,013

 
$
13,931

 
$
(164
)
 
$
465,095

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from operations
$
10,045

 
$
18,127

 
$
1,698

 
$
(217
)
 
$
(18,296
)
 
$
11,357

Interest (income)/expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(288
)
Other (income)/expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
272

Income/(loss) before income taxes

 


 


 


 


 
$
11,373

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
9,012

 
$
3,011

 
$
2,281

 
$
784

 
$
1,071

 
$
16,159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifiable assets
$
225,814

 
$
135,549

 
$
36,490

 
$
5,827

 
$
(32
)
 
$
403,648

 

F-27


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 
Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011
 
Automotive
 
Inter-
Connect
 
Power
Products
 
Other
 
Eliminations/Corporate
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$
228,362

 
$
139,877

 
$
50,768

 
$
13,052

 
$
(3,844
)
 
$
428,215

Transfers between segments
(2,315
)
 
(1,096
)
 
(353
)
 
(71
)
 
3,835

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers
$
226,047

 
$
138,781

 
$
50,415

 
$
12,981

 
$
(9
)
 
$
428,215

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
$
13,325

 
$
19,989

 
$
3,630

 
$
(2,032
)
 
$
(18,968
)
 
$
15,944

Interest, (income)/expense, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
198

Other (income)/expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,284

Income/(loss) before income taxes


 


 


 


 


 
$
14,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
7,704

 
$
3,579

 
$
2,283

 
$
698

 
$
1,492

 
$
15,756

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifiable assets
$
167,991

 
$
122,687

 
$
42,330

 
$
8,726

 
$
(6,990
)
 
$
334,744

  
The following table sets forth certain geographic financial information for fiscal years ended April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011.  Geographic net sales and income are determined based our sales and income from our various operational locations.
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
April 27,
2013
 
April 28,
2012
 
April 30,
2011
Net Sales:
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
260,287

 
$
204,697

 
$
172,082

Asia Pacific
96,475

 
111,550

 
109,049

Europe
163,074

 
148,848

 
147,084

Total Net Sales
$
519,836

 
$
465,095

 
$
428,215

Income (loss) before income taxes:
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
(12,162
)
 
$
(31,992
)
 
$
(33,953
)
Asia Pacific
31,081

 
31,052

 
34,306

Europe
19,002

 
12,025

 
14,307

Income and expenses not allocated
30

 
288

 
(198
)
Total Income before Income Taxes
$
37,951

 
$
11,373

 
$
14,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment:
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
54,540

 
$
39,742

 
$
26,505

Asia Pacific
7,501

 
8,819

 
7,867

Europe
36,317

 
28,591

 
27,139

Total Property, Plant and Equipment
$
98,358

 
$
77,152

 
$
61,511

 

F-28


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

13.  Lease Commitments
 
We lease certain office and manufacturing properties under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through fiscal 2018.  Rental expense under non-cancelable operating leases amounted to $4,598, $4,713 and $4,313 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Our aggregate minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable operating leases are summarized in the table below for the next succeeding five fiscal years:
 
2014
$
4,604

2015
2,566

2016
1,159

2017
749

2018
449

 
14.  Pre-Production Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Arrangements
 
We incur pre-production tooling costs related to products produced for our customers under long-term supply agreements.  We had $11,511 and $16,215 as of the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively, of pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the customer has provided a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.  Engineering, testing and other costs incurred in the design and development of production parts are expensed as incurred, unless the costs are reimbursable, as specified in a customer contract.
 
15.  Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
 
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012:

 
Fiscal 2013
Quarter Ended
 
July 28
 
October 27
 
January 26
 
April 27
Net sales
$
118,737

 
$
129,758

 
$
122,982

 
$
148,359

Gross profit
21,466

 
22,292

 
20,033

 
27,845

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
3,889

 
23,363

 
3,325

 
10,161

Net income per basic common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.28

Net income per diluted common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.27


 
Fiscal 2012
Quarter Ended
 
July 30
 
October 29
 
January 28
 
April 28
Net sales
$
110,804

 
$
115,890

 
$
112,000

 
$
126,401

Gross profit
19,980

 
20,918

 
19,254

 
22,962

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
1,494

 
311

 
809

 
5,769

Net income per basic and diluted common share
$
0.04

 
$
0.01

 
$
0.02

 
$
0.15



F-29


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 Significant Items for Fiscal 2013
 
The second quarter of fiscal 2013 includes pre-tax income from Delphi settlement of $20,000. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $4,326 related to our Eetrex reporting unit in the Power Products segment.

Significant Items for Fiscal 2012
 
The first, second, third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 includes pre-tax legal fees relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit of $1,047, $1,185, $530 and $940, respectively.

Significant Items for Fiscal 2011
 
The second quarter of fiscal 2011 includes a pre-tax charge of $3,834 for litigation regarding unsecured claims related to the Delphi bankruptcy. The litigation was settled in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 for $2,068, resulting in a reversal of expense of $1,766. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 includes an after tax gain on the sale of a business of $655. In addition, the first, second, third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 includes pre-tax legal fees relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit of $1,474, $924, $1,123 and $1,247, respectively.
 

F-30

Table of Contents


SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands)
 
COL. A
COL. B
COL. C
 
COL. D.
 
COL. E
 
 
Additions
 
 
 
 
Description
Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period
Charged to  Costs 
and Expenses
 
Charged to Other 
Accounts—
Describe
 
Deductions—
Describe
 
Balance at End of 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEAR ENDED APRIL 27, 2013:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts
$
1,279

$
106

 
$
(4
)
(1)
$
359

(2)
$
1,022

Deferred tax valuation allowance
57,279


 

 
14,843

(3)
42,436

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEAR ENDED APRIL 28, 2012:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts
$
1,140

$
495

 
$
(48
)
(1)
$
308

(2)
$
1,279

Deferred tax valuation allowance
54,015

14,792

(4)
(1,306
)
(1)
10,222

(5)
57,279

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2011:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts
$
1,102

$
249

 
$
304

(1)
$
515

(2)
$
1,140

Deferred tax valuation allowance
48,402

7,088

(4
)
582

(1)
2,057

 
54,015

 ______________________________________
(1) Impact of foreign currency translation and other reclassifications.
(2) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(3) Primarily represents changes in Malta valuation allowance and changes in temporary items.
(4) Primarily due to increased net operating losses in the U.S.
(5) Primarily due to the change in permanent reinvestment assertion for a planned discrete dividend from a foreign subsidiary.


F-31

Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit 
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (1)
3.2
 
Bylaws of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (2)
4.1
 
Article Fourth of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (included in Exhibit 3.1) (1)
4.2
 
Rights Agreement dated as of January 8, 2004 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, which includes as Exhibit A thereto, the Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Methode Electronics, Inc.; as Exhibit B thereto, the Form of Right Certificate; as Exhibit C thereto, the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares. (3)
10.2*
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. 2000 Stock Plan (4)
10.3*
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan (5)
10.10*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated September 1, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (6)
10.11*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated September 1, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Douglas A. Koman (6)
10.12*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated September 1, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Thomas D. Reynolds (6)
10.14*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated September 14, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Theodore P. Kill (7)
10.15*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated September 14, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Timothy R. Glandon (7)
10.16*
 
First Amendment to Methode Electronics, Inc. 2000 Stock Plan effective as of December 14, 2006 (8)
10.17*
 
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of June 18, 2004 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (8)
10.18*
 
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Cliff Vesting) effective as of June 18, 2004 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (8)
10.21*
 
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of June 15, 2005 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (9)
10.22*
 
Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of August 7, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (9)
10.23*
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. 2007 Stock Plan (10)
10.27*
 
Form Director RSA Award Agreement (10)
10.28*
 
Change in Control Agreement dated July 15, 2008 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Ronald L. G. Tsoumas (11)
10.32*
 
Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (12)
10.33*
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (13)
10.34*
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (13)
10.35*
 
Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Form Award Agreement (13)
10.36*
 
Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Performance Based Restricted Stock Form Award Agreement (14)
10.37*
 
Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Form Award Agreement (14)
10.38*
 
Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. RSA Tandem Cash Award Form Award Agreement (14)
10.39*
 
Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Cash Bonus Form Award Agreement (14)
10.40*
 
Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (14)
10.42
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 25, 2011 among Methode Electronics, Inc. as the Borrower, Bank of America N.A., as Administrative Agent and Other Lenders party thereto (15)
10.43
 
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 21, 2012, among Methode Electronics, Inc. as the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (16)


Table of Contents

Exhibit 
Number
 
Description
21
 
Subsidiaries of Methode Electronics, Inc.
23
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32
 
Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101**
 
Interactive Data File
____________________________________________
(1) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed January 9, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) 
Previously filed with Registrant's Form 8-K filed March 18, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-A filed January 8, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the three months ended October 31, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 7, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
(6) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed September 6, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(7) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed September 18, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
(8) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the three months ended January 27, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
(9) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed April 6, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
(10) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed September 19, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
(11) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 10-K filed July 17, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
(12) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed July 20, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.
(13) 
Previously filed with Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
(14) 
Previously filed with Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 12, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
(15) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed March 3, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.
(16) 
Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed September 24, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.
________________________________________
*  Management Compensatory Plan

** As provided in Rule 406 of Regulation S-T, this information is deemed not filed as part of a registration statement or
prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, and is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is otherwise not subject to liability under those sections.